The Minister of Trade and Industry, Nino Pereira, represented Timor-Leste at the 56th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (AEM) and in parallel meetings, which took place from September 15^th to 22^nd in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic. This participation reinforces Timor-Leste’s path towards full integration into the ASEAN economic community. 

As an observer, Timor-Leste participated in discussions on critical issues for regional economic development, particularly the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, the Digital Economy Framework Agreement and progress on Trade in Services and Investment.

Issues related to Timor-Leste’s membership in ASEAN were also discussed, and the country expressed its profound gratitude to the member states and the ASEAN Secretariat for the invaluable technical support received so far. 

Timor-Leste also consulted with ASEAN dialogue partners such as the United States, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, India, the United Kingdom and Canada. These meetings reinforced ASEAN’s importance on the global economic stage and opened up new possibilities for economic cooperation.

The Minister of Trade and Industry thanked the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for organising the 56th Meeting of the MEA and highlighted the progress made under its presidency. 

Timor-Leste is prepared to intensify its involvement in the ASEAN economic programme under Malaysia’s chairmanship in 2025 and trusts in joint success for the region’s economic prosperity.