Timor Leste and the 'golden passport'

More than 10 years after submitting its application to join ASEAN, Timor-Leste’s persistent efforts have paid off. The 47th ASEAN Summit, taking place in October 2025, is expected to mark a milestone in the development history of both sides, when Timor-Leste becomes the 11th member under the “common roof” of ASEAN.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta at the ASEAN Future 2025 Forum. Vietnam supports Timor-Leste in joining ASEAN, becoming the 11th member of the Association, looking towards the future of 2045 with many new goals. (Photo: TT)

In 2011, less than 10 years after gaining independence, Timor-Leste applied to join ASEAN, taking the first steps on the journey of deeper integration into the general flow of the Southeast Asian region.

At that time, a young country was experiencing the hardships of nation-building after independence, the policy of joining ASEAN became a driving force and a "beacon" guiding Timor-Leste to continue to consolidate peace and promote reform.

Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta has repeatedly affirmed that joining ASEAN is a top priority, opening the door to opportunities to promote economic growth, strengthen diplomatic relations with countries in the region and ensure the country's stable, prosperous and long-term development. Official ASEAN membership is considered a "golden passport" for Timor-Leste to participate in the regional supply chain and access a vibrant market of more than 600 million people.

According to ASEAN Deputy Secretary General Satvinder Singh, from 2015 to 2024, ASEAN's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by an average of 5.1% per year - an impressive figure in a period when the world economy was besieged by a series of challenges, especially the Covid-19 pandemic. In the context of the increasingly widespread protectionist wave that has shaken the global economy, with its commitment to maintaining free and fair multilateral trade, the Association has become a "safe haven" for its member countries.

Joining ASEAN opens the door for Timor-Leste to join ASEAN's vast trade network with major partners such as China, South Korea, Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand, etc. Analysts say that if the opportunity is well seized, this will be a "golden opportunity" for Timor-Leste to increase domestic production, diversify the economy, participate in regional supply chains, export goods to the global market, and promote sustainable growth.

In nearly 60 years of formation and development, with the spirit of solidarity and long-term strategic vision, ASEAN has become an effective model of multilateral cooperation, with increasing influence in the international arena. The Association continues to promote its central role in shaping and leading regional processes. Therefore, joining ASEAN provides Timor-Leste with the opportunity to contribute its voice to the discussion of a series of urgent geopolitical and economic issues, which are of great significance in building the future of the Southeast Asian region.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn stressed that the admission of Timor-Leste affirms ASEAN's core values, in an increasingly complex and uncertain world, and is a testament to the vitality, solidarity and influence of the Association.

In addition, with more than 70% of the population under 35 years old and abundant human resources, Timor Leste will add strength to the common future of ASEAN. Joining ASEAN is a sweet achievement for Timor-Leste, starting a new chapter in the journey of comprehensive socio-economic development, deep integration into the region and the world.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/timor-leste-va-tam-ho-chieu-vang-330898.html