The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation has announced the launch of TL IMPACT. This strategic initiative marks a significant step in Timor-Leste’s journey towards integrating into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 
The first phase of this initiative, held from March 12th to 14th, 2024, was designed in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and builds on the preparatory work carried out in the Capacity Support Report (CSR) conducted in 2021. TL IMPACT, or Timor-Leste Integrated Measurement of Progress and Transformation for Development, aims to serve as a comprehensive tool to assess readiness and progress in meeting the requirements set out in the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s full membership of the regional bloc, announced by ASEAN leaders in May 2023.
At the launch ceremony, the Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs, Milena Rangel, emphasised that “joining ASEAN has been a long-standing commitment for Timor-Leste, recognising the vast benefits that regional economic integration can provide. More than just integration into a community, it is also an opportunity to drive our development and transformation as a nation”. 
TL IMPACT will be conducted in close collaboration with all relevant sectoral ministries and institutions within the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and aims to synchronise efforts among stakeholders to demonstrate tangible progress towards regional integration. It also intends to identify areas where specific support can be provided to sectoral ministries and institutions, aligning with ASEAN economic agreements and national strategic plans.
This ongoing exercise, TL IMPACT, is scheduled for regular updates and will serve as an essential tool for monitoring Timor-Leste’s progress over the coming years, especially given that 2025 is the benchmark year set by leaders for ASEAN membership.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation expressed sincere gratitude to all sectoral ministries and institutions for their exemplary support, highlighting Timor-Leste’s commitment and ability to adopt a comprehensive governmental and national approach to achieving ASEAN membership.