Timor-Leste’s president invites ASEAN investment in infrastructure, tourism and energy following historic membership, highlighting Malaysia partnership.
KUALA LUMPUR: Timor-Leste is actively seeking foreign investment from Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, following its historic accession as ASEAN’s 11th member.
President José Ramos-Horta called on member states to expand trade and investment ties, saying ASEAN membership opens “tremendous potential” for shared economic growth.
In an exclusive Bernama interview, he identified infrastructure, tourism, digital technology, petroleum and education as priority investment sectors.
“Membership in ASEAN brings tremendous potential benefits—but only if we work hard to seize the opportunities,” Ramos-Horta stated.
He emphasised the need to “facilitate investments from ASEAN countries, provide incentives, protection and create a business environment that encourages partnership.”
Timor-Leste’s accession was formalised yesterday during the 47th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
This marks the bloc’s first expansion in 26 years, following Cambodia’s admission in 1999.
Ramos-Horta described Malaysia as a natural economic partner, highlighting opportunities in trade, infrastructure development and education.
The government welcomes Malaysian participation in airport expansion, tourism facilities and other infrastructure projects essential to Timor-Leste’s development.
Malaysia has supported Timor-Leste through capacity-building programmes and established the first ASEAN liaison office in Dili in 2001.
Bilateral trade reached RM85.68 million in 2024, with Malaysia mainly exporting products.
Timor-Leste seeks investors like Petronas for the Greater Sunrise gas fields, containing estimated reserves of 5.1 trillion cubic feet of gas and 226 million barrels of condensate.
The president outlined plans to modernise public administration and enhance human capital to support trade and productivity.
This includes retraining civil servants and sending young citizens abroad to gain skills in technology, engineering and agriculture.
“They can work in Australia, South Korea or Japan and learn new work ethics and discipline,” he said.
“When they return, they bring back knowledge and capital to invest in our economy.”
Ramos-Horta stressed that ASEAN membership involves both receiving support and contributing to regional prosperity.
“We look to benefit from ASEAN, but also to contribute—through peace, stability and cooperation,” he affirmed.
He invited young Malaysians, Singaporeans and Thais who love diving to experience Timor-Leste’s rich marine biodiversity.
ASEAN membership will strengthen Timor-Leste’s integration into regional trade frameworks and boost investor confidence.
“The missing link in our diplomatic and economic journey was ASEAN, and now, the circle is complete,” Ramos-Horta concluded. – Bernama
