Timor-Leste Launches First Post-Accession Workshop to Map Its ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Implementation Roadmap 2026–2030
Organized in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Australia’s PROSIVU programme (Parseria ba Prosperidade Inklusivu), the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), and the European Union through the International Trade Centre (ITC)’s Support to Regional Integration and Trade project, the workshop marks Timor-Leste’s first major technical event following its accession to ASEAN on 26 October 2025.
Held in Dili, the workshop brought together senior officials from line ministries, regulators, the private sector, civil society, academia, ASEAN institutions, and development partners. Over the course of three days, participants examined Timor-Leste’s obligations under ASEAN Economic Agreements (AEAs), learned from implementation pathways in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam, and identified priority measures to inform the country’s National AEC Implementation Roadmap 2026–2030.
A central highlight of the event was the series of technical presentations delivered by the ASEAN Secretariat, covering ASEAN Vision 2045, the AEC Strategic Plan 2026–2030, Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks, digital economy initiatives, air transport liberalisation, standards and conformance, and obligations across trade in goods, services, and investment.
In her opening remarks, H.E. Milena Rangel, Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs, underscored the significance of the workshop:
“Accession is only the first step. Our responsibility now is to translate commitments into reforms that strengthen our economy, create opportunities for our people, and ensure Timor-Leste contributes meaningfully to ASEAN’s shared vision of peace, stability, and prosperity. This workshop marks the beginning of our implementation journey.”
Representatives from Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam shared insights on transitioning from accession to implementation, emphasizing the value of strong institutions, inter-ministerial coordination, and sustained capacity-building. Development partners, including ADB, Australia, JICA, and the European Union—also presented ongoing and future cooperation to support Timor-Leste’s reform and integration efforts.
Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Mr. Iotam Lerer, Head of the EU Cooperation in Timor-Leste, reaffirmed the EU’s strong commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s regional integration:
“Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN is a powerful milestone—not only for the country, but for the region as a whole. The work that begins here today is essential to ensuring that integration delivers real economic and social benefits for the Timorese people. The European Union remains fully committed to supporting Timor-Leste as it transitions from accession to implementation.”
The workshop concluded with a high-level closing session led by H.E. Augusto Júnior Trindade, Vice-Minister of Commerce and Industry, who emphasized the Government’s readiness to move forward:
“Our work does not end here. It begins here. From accession, we now move into implementation. With determination, partnership, and a clear roadmap, I am confident that Timor-Leste will not only integrate into ASEAN but will also thrive within it, helping to build an ASEAN that is stronger, more inclusive, and more united.”
The event generated key inputs for the drafting of Timor-Leste’s National AEC Implementation Roadmap 2026–2030, including priority reforms, institutional arrangements, monitoring systems, and partnership strategies.
