Gia nhập ASEAN – Cánh cửa mới cho sự phát triển của Timor-Leste

Within the framework of the 46th ASEAN Summit (May), ASEAN leaders agreed to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the bloc at the 47th ASEAN Summit in October this year. (Source: VGP)

According to the website dw.com on September 30, Timor-Leste has been working hard for many years to join ASEAN in the hope of promoting the integration and development of the country. Timor-Leste will become the newest member of ASEAN next October, ending a 14-year wait.

Joining ASEAN could open new doors for Timor-Leste, including deeper regional integration and better economic integration.

Sharon Seah, senior research fellow at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute (Singapore), commented that Timor-Leste has been "waiting at the ASEAN door for 14 years".

Professor Michael Leach, an international relations researcher at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia, said that there has been a lot of international investment in Timor-Leste in recent times. However, investment in basic development indicators such as agriculture , education and health is relatively low.

Associate Professor Khoo Ying Hooi, who specializes in international relations and human rights at the University of Malaysia, said Timor-Leste is focusing on welcoming potential foreign investors.

According to the Lowy Institute (Australia), Timor-Leste has a small population and its economy is heavily dependent on natural resources, especially oil reserves, which account for 80% of the island nation's GDP. Public spending is key to stimulating the economy, with agriculture, fisheries and tourism being the focus of economic growth. Timor-Leste also boasts one of the youngest populations in the world, with 74% of the population under 35 years old (according to United Nations data).