In 2011, less than ten years after gaining independence, Timor-Leste submitted its application to join ASEAN, taking the first steps towards deeper regional integration and becoming part of the shared flow of Southeast Asia.
At that time, as a young nation facing the challenges of post-independence nation-building, its decision to join ASEAN served as both a driving force and a “guiding light,” helping Timor-Leste to strengthen peace and advance reforms.
President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste has repeatedly affirmed that joining ASEAN is a top priority, a gateway to promoting economic growth, consolidating diplomatic ties with regional countries, and ensuring long-term, stable and prosperous national development.
Full membership in ASEAN is regarded as a “golden passport”, it will enable Timor-Leste to join regional supply chains and access a vibrant market of more than 600 million people.
According to ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General Satvinder Singh, between 2015 and 2024, ASEAN’s GDP grew at an average annual rate of 5.1% — an impressive figure during a decade when the global economy was beset by numerous challenges, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. Amid rising protectionism and global economic turbulence, ASEAN’s commitment to maintaining free, open, and fair multilateral trade has made it a “safe haven” for its member states.
Joining ASEAN also opens the door for Timor-Leste to participate in the bloc’s extensive trade network with major partners such as China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, India, Australia, and New Zealand.
Analysts believe that, if opportunities are seized effectively, this will be a “golden chance” for Timor-Leste to boost domestic production, diversify its economy, join regional supply chains, expand exports to global markets, and foster sustainable growth.
Over nearly six decades of formation and development, ASEAN has, through unity and long-term strategic vision, become an effective model of multilateral cooperation with growing influence on the international stage. The Association continues to play a central role in shaping and guiding regional processes.
For Timor-Leste, joining ASEAN offers an opportunity to contribute its voice to discussions on pressing geopolitical and economic issues that are crucial to shaping the future of Southeast Asia.
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn emphasised that the admission of Timor-Leste reaffirms ASEAN’s core values. In an increasingly complex and unpredictable world, this demonstrates the vitality, solidarity, and influence of the Association.
Moreover, with over 70% of its population under 35 and a youthful, dynamic workforce, Timor-Leste will bring renewed energy to ASEAN’s common future. Its accession marks a sweet success — the beginning of a new chapter in Timor-Leste’s comprehensive socio-economic development and deeper integration into the regional and global community.
