Improved ability by Timor-Leste to carry out the obligations of membership of REI initiatives.
The Timor-Leste Strategic Development Plan, 2011–2030 reaffirmed a long-standing commitment to regional integration.6 This commitment recognizes the opportunities that regional fora provide to pursue the nations’ economic,security, and sociocultural aspirations. Timor-Leste secured membership of the ASEAN Regional Forum in July 2005, signed the ASEAN Treaty on Amity and Co-operation in 2007, and applied for ASEAN membership in March 2011.The government has expressed its hopes that ascension to ASEAN membership can proceed quickly, but concerns expressed about Timor-Leste’s readiness to join by some current members are stalling progress. The time frame for eventual membership remains unclear, but undertaking actions to bring Timor-Leste into compliance with prerequisites for ASEAN membership—the focus of the TA—will advance this process.
The government recognizes the unique role of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in REI and has asked for continuing support in this area. ADB’s Timor-Leste country partnership strategy, 2011–2015 and country operations business plan, 2011–2013 provided for such support, and recognized that special attention should be paid to ties with Southeast Asia. Such support needs to be coordinated closely with other development partners active in supporting Timor-Leste on REI, most notably the governments of Indonesia and Japan.
1. Improved understanding of the implications of membership of REI initiatives.
2. Enhanced policy framework for REI.
3. Improved communicaitonwith regional organizations and partner countries.
