Timor-Leste seeks lessons from neighbours on attracting investment
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão said businesses need infrastructure, skilled workers and clear rules to benefit from ASEAN membership.
Timor-Leste must learn how its neighbours attract investors to make use of the trading opportunities offered by ASEAN membership, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão said on 9 November 2026. He was addressing parliament at the start of the general debate on the 2027 state budget.
Gusmão said membership alone would not ensure that the country’s businesses could compete. They needed viable infrastructure, qualified workers, clear rules and products that met customer requirements. He pointed to entry into the World Trade Organisation in 2024 and Timor-Leste becoming ASEAN’s 11th member as steps strengthening its involvement in the regional and international economy.
He said work on customs, public administration and economic reform must enable the country to benefit from those openings. Timor-Leste will host high-level ASEAN and CPLP meetings in 2027, providing opportunities to deepen partnerships that support national development, he said.
Gusmão called for those meetings to be handled professionally, with tight control of costs. He also said logistical and infrastructure preparations would start in 2027 for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2029.
