A Timor-Leste analyst, Mariano Ferreira, stated that the country has not yet been able to take advantage of the economic opportunities provided by membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as it requires time for national economic development.
When asked by the publication Lusa about the country's first year of joining the Southeast Asian organization, the analyst emphasized that Timor-Leste has not yet been able to utilize the chances offered by ASEAN membership and needs additional time to strengthen its economy.
The country joined ASEAN—an organization aimed at economic, political, social, and cultural cooperation among Southeast Asian states—on October 26, 2025, 14 years after submitting its application for membership.
According to the analyst from the La'o Hamutuk association, there have been no significant investments within ASEAN over the past year, despite the authorities organizing 'numerous economic forums, inviting numerous figures, and spending significant sums of money.'
Despite GDP growth forecasts exceeding 4% in the coming years, according to data from the Government and some international financial organizations, Timor-Leste's economy remains dependent on oil and state investment.
Ferreira noted that the private sector is small, and investments have a limited impact; furthermore, there are issues with excessive bureaucracy, shortage of skilled labor, and infrastructure.
The analyst also raised the issue of national legislation concerning foreign investment. He stated that 'the legislation does not always provide sufficient protection or guarantees to investors who intend to invest capital in Timor-Leste to carry out investments or promote our economy.'
Mariano Ferreira believes that this situation reduces investor confidence in the country, which is compounded by the lack of qualified personnel.
In his opinion, the Government should enhance professional training and education, as well as prepare youth for the labor market so they can compete with citizens of other ASEAN countries.
The executive branch approved the National Plan for implementing ASEAN economic commitments for the period 2026 to 2030 this week.
ASEAN was founded in 1967 by Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Later, countries such as Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (formerly Burma), and Vietnam joined, as well as Timor-Leste last year.
The total population of ASEAN is 676.6 million people, making it the third most populous region in the world, behind India and China.