Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong of Singapore has reiterated the nation’s commitment to aiding Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN, emphasizing the need to enhance the bloc’s unity and resilience. Wong, who also holds the position of Finance Minister, highlighted ASEAN’s current priorities, which include boosting intra-regional trade and exploring opportunities within the digital and green economies.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wong noted that a crucial move for ASEAN is the upgrade of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA). This upgrade aims to simplify trade processes and lower non-tariff barriers, thus benefiting businesses and residents within the region. The inclusion of Timor-Leste in ASEAN and the bloc’s dedication to deeper integration signals a unified resolve to foster a more prosperous and secure future for all its members.
Wong further stated that ASEAN is committed to enhancing collaborative efforts against transnational crime, with a particular focus on curbing online scams that affect numerous citizens across the region. In support of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership bid, Singapore Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan affirmed the republic’s consistent backing.
Balakrishnan highlighted that through initiatives like the Singapore Cooperation Programme and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration, Singapore has trained hundreds of Timorese officials in vital areas such as public administration, education, and digital governance. In 2022, Singapore introduced the Enhanced Singapore-Timor-Leste ASEAN Readiness Support (eSTARS) package, offering targeted training, advisory support, and exchanges to equip Timor-Leste with the necessary capabilities for active participation in ASEAN.
Timor-Leste was officially inducted as the 11th member state of ASEAN during the opening ceremony of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur. This accession completes the Southeast Asian geographical representation within the bloc. Prior to Timor-Leste, Cambodia was the last country to join ASEAN in 1999. Timor-Leste, recognized as the youngest nation in the region, gained independence in 2002 and applied to join ASEAN in 2011, embarking on a decade-long journey to meet the bloc’s economic and institutional standards.