I've been tardy in posting to the blog recently, due to work commitments. I am on the Asian Development Bank (ADB) team advising Timor-Leste on its ASEAN accession. This week we briefed Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Timor-Leste president Jose Ramos-Horta on the status of the accession:
All I can say at this point is that Timor-Leste has made great strides towards membership. For more, please see this Straits Times article by Shane Rosenthal, the ADB's country director for Timor-Leste (on the left side of the above photo).
I'll have more soon.
All I can say at this point is that Timor-Leste has made great strides towards membership. For more, please see this Straits Times article by Shane Rosenthal, the ADB's country director for Timor-Leste (on the left side of the above photo).
I'll have more soon.
he
impending launch of the ASEAN Economic Community is being marked this
week at a summit in Kuala Lumpur. It should also be the time for ASEAN
to consider opening the door to a new member. Timor Leste is Asia’s
youngest country — a stable democracy at the crossroads of Southeast
Asia and the Pacific. Acceptance as a member country would enhance its
prospects for economic development, while further strengthening the
organization’s centrality and relevance.
Timor Leste has made remarkable progress since gaining independence in 2002. Its infrastructure was in disrepair, social services absent, and government institutions at their inception. Despite brief periods of instability, the country now has a well-functioning government and is using its modest petroleum wealth to foster long-term economic growth.
Gaining membership has been a priority for Timor Leste throughout its short history. Successive governments have made the case through diplomatic efforts such as signing onto the ASEAN Regional Forum in 2005, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia two years later. By next year Timor Leste will have embassies in the capitals of every ASEAN member country.
These are impressive achievements for a young country, but not surprising to development partners that are helping rebuild its infrastructure and develop the skills needed for the economy to continue expanding.
Newly paved roads now connect Timorese with their Indonesian neighbors, and electricity reaches almost every corner of the country. Deregulation has transformed mobile telecommunications to such a degree that companies from two member countries — Vietnam and Indonesia — are now competing for a growing and increasingly connected customer base.
While many of Timor Leste’s nearly 1.2 million people remain poor, huge strides have been made to improve living conditions and increase life opportunities. Infant mortality has halved since independence, and the incidence of malaria has fallen by 95 percent. Primary school enrollment rose from 65 percent in 2001 to 92 percent in 2013, and the proportion of parliamentary seats held by women stands at 38 percent, the highest in Asia.
The ASEAN Charter sets out four criteria for membership, three of which are met by Timor Leste: It is located in Southeast Asia, is recognized by the 10 ASEAN nations, and would agree to be bound and abide by the organization’s charter.
The fourth requirement, demonstrating an “ability and willingness to carry out the obligations of membership”, is for ASEAN’s members to judge. Concerns have been raised about its readiness to participate in the organization’s economic, political-security, and socio-cultural communities, given the hundreds of meetings it holds each year.
Timor Leste’s track record on governance suggests it would be a worthy member. The country has held three open elections without incident, and participates actively in international organizations such as the G7+ group of post-conflict states and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. Timor Leste represents a model for managing natural resources wealth, ranking near the top of the international Resources Governance Index, ahead of several ASEAN members.
ASEAN members appear open to Timor Leste’s application. The country’s ambassador to the Jakarta-based Secretariat was accredited in 2011, the same year the ASEAN Coordinating Council established a working group that commissioned studies on what it would mean for Timor Leste to join.
Membership is a win-win proposition. It would help Timor Leste to attract investment, develop trade links, and diversify its economy. It already has one of the most open trade policies in the region, but joining such a high-profile organization would send a powerful signal to investors and help to accelerate integration with the rest of Southeast Asia.
ASEAN, too, would benefit from the young population and strategic location of Timor Leste. The inspirational story of Timor Leste and its impressive development would be a shining example for all member states. It would give added meaning to the grouping’s members as they journey toward its Vision 2025, which calls for a “politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible” ASEAN.
Timor Leste has emerged as an able and willing member of the community of nations. The time has come for this country to take the next step on its road to prosperity. - See more at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/11/21/timor-leste-belongs-asean.html#sthash.B4EcUsFt.dpuf
Timor Leste has made remarkable progress since gaining independence in 2002. Its infrastructure was in disrepair, social services absent, and government institutions at their inception. Despite brief periods of instability, the country now has a well-functioning government and is using its modest petroleum wealth to foster long-term economic growth.
Gaining membership has been a priority for Timor Leste throughout its short history. Successive governments have made the case through diplomatic efforts such as signing onto the ASEAN Regional Forum in 2005, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia two years later. By next year Timor Leste will have embassies in the capitals of every ASEAN member country.
These are impressive achievements for a young country, but not surprising to development partners that are helping rebuild its infrastructure and develop the skills needed for the economy to continue expanding.
Newly paved roads now connect Timorese with their Indonesian neighbors, and electricity reaches almost every corner of the country. Deregulation has transformed mobile telecommunications to such a degree that companies from two member countries — Vietnam and Indonesia — are now competing for a growing and increasingly connected customer base.
While many of Timor Leste’s nearly 1.2 million people remain poor, huge strides have been made to improve living conditions and increase life opportunities. Infant mortality has halved since independence, and the incidence of malaria has fallen by 95 percent. Primary school enrollment rose from 65 percent in 2001 to 92 percent in 2013, and the proportion of parliamentary seats held by women stands at 38 percent, the highest in Asia.
The ASEAN Charter sets out four criteria for membership, three of which are met by Timor Leste: It is located in Southeast Asia, is recognized by the 10 ASEAN nations, and would agree to be bound and abide by the organization’s charter.
The fourth requirement, demonstrating an “ability and willingness to carry out the obligations of membership”, is for ASEAN’s members to judge. Concerns have been raised about its readiness to participate in the organization’s economic, political-security, and socio-cultural communities, given the hundreds of meetings it holds each year.
Timor Leste’s track record on governance suggests it would be a worthy member. The country has held three open elections without incident, and participates actively in international organizations such as the G7+ group of post-conflict states and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. Timor Leste represents a model for managing natural resources wealth, ranking near the top of the international Resources Governance Index, ahead of several ASEAN members.
ASEAN members appear open to Timor Leste’s application. The country’s ambassador to the Jakarta-based Secretariat was accredited in 2011, the same year the ASEAN Coordinating Council established a working group that commissioned studies on what it would mean for Timor Leste to join.
Membership is a win-win proposition. It would help Timor Leste to attract investment, develop trade links, and diversify its economy. It already has one of the most open trade policies in the region, but joining such a high-profile organization would send a powerful signal to investors and help to accelerate integration with the rest of Southeast Asia.
ASEAN, too, would benefit from the young population and strategic location of Timor Leste. The inspirational story of Timor Leste and its impressive development would be a shining example for all member states. It would give added meaning to the grouping’s members as they journey toward its Vision 2025, which calls for a “politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible” ASEAN.
Timor Leste has emerged as an able and willing member of the community of nations. The time has come for this country to take the next step on its road to prosperity. - See more at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/11/21/timor-leste-belongs-asean.html#sthash.B4EcUsFt.dpuf
he
impending launch of the ASEAN Economic Community is being marked this
week at a summit in Kuala Lumpur. It should also be the time for ASEAN
to consider opening the door to a new member. Timor Leste is Asia’s
youngest country — a stable democracy at the crossroads of Southeast
Asia and the Pacific. Acceptance as a member country would enhance its
prospects for economic development, while further strengthening the
organization’s centrality and relevance.
Timor Leste has made remarkable progress since gaining independence in 2002. Its infrastructure was in disrepair, social services absent, and government institutions at their inception. Despite brief periods of instability, the country now has a well-functioning government and is using its modest petroleum wealth to foster long-term economic growth.
Gaining membership has been a priority for Timor Leste throughout its short history. Successive governments have made the case through diplomatic efforts such as signing onto the ASEAN Regional Forum in 2005, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia two years later. By next year Timor Leste will have embassies in the capitals of every ASEAN member country.
These are impressive achievements for a young country, but not surprising to development partners that are helping rebuild its infrastructure and develop the skills needed for the economy to continue expanding.
Newly paved roads now connect Timorese with their Indonesian neighbors, and electricity reaches almost every corner of the country. Deregulation has transformed mobile telecommunications to such a degree that companies from two member countries — Vietnam and Indonesia — are now competing for a growing and increasingly connected customer base.
While many of Timor Leste’s nearly 1.2 million people remain poor, huge strides have been made to improve living conditions and increase life opportunities. Infant mortality has halved since independence, and the incidence of malaria has fallen by 95 percent. Primary school enrollment rose from 65 percent in 2001 to 92 percent in 2013, and the proportion of parliamentary seats held by women stands at 38 percent, the highest in Asia.
The ASEAN Charter sets out four criteria for membership, three of which are met by Timor Leste: It is located in Southeast Asia, is recognized by the 10 ASEAN nations, and would agree to be bound and abide by the organization’s charter.
The fourth requirement, demonstrating an “ability and willingness to carry out the obligations of membership”, is for ASEAN’s members to judge. Concerns have been raised about its readiness to participate in the organization’s economic, political-security, and socio-cultural communities, given the hundreds of meetings it holds each year.
Timor Leste’s track record on governance suggests it would be a worthy member. The country has held three open elections without incident, and participates actively in international organizations such as the G7+ group of post-conflict states and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. Timor Leste represents a model for managing natural resources wealth, ranking near the top of the international Resources Governance Index, ahead of several ASEAN members.
ASEAN members appear open to Timor Leste’s application. The country’s ambassador to the Jakarta-based Secretariat was accredited in 2011, the same year the ASEAN Coordinating Council established a working group that commissioned studies on what it would mean for Timor Leste to join.
Membership is a win-win proposition. It would help Timor Leste to attract investment, develop trade links, and diversify its economy. It already has one of the most open trade policies in the region, but joining such a high-profile organization would send a powerful signal to investors and help to accelerate integration with the rest of Southeast Asia.
ASEAN, too, would benefit from the young population and strategic location of Timor Leste. The inspirational story of Timor Leste and its impressive development would be a shining example for all member states. It would give added meaning to the grouping’s members as they journey toward its Vision 2025, which calls for a “politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible” ASEAN.
Timor Leste has emerged as an able and willing member of the community of nations. The time has come for this country to take the next step on its road to prosperity. - See more at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/11/21/timor-leste-belongs-asean.html#sthash.B4EcUsFt.dpuf
Timor Leste has made remarkable progress since gaining independence in 2002. Its infrastructure was in disrepair, social services absent, and government institutions at their inception. Despite brief periods of instability, the country now has a well-functioning government and is using its modest petroleum wealth to foster long-term economic growth.
Gaining membership has been a priority for Timor Leste throughout its short history. Successive governments have made the case through diplomatic efforts such as signing onto the ASEAN Regional Forum in 2005, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia two years later. By next year Timor Leste will have embassies in the capitals of every ASEAN member country.
These are impressive achievements for a young country, but not surprising to development partners that are helping rebuild its infrastructure and develop the skills needed for the economy to continue expanding.
Newly paved roads now connect Timorese with their Indonesian neighbors, and electricity reaches almost every corner of the country. Deregulation has transformed mobile telecommunications to such a degree that companies from two member countries — Vietnam and Indonesia — are now competing for a growing and increasingly connected customer base.
While many of Timor Leste’s nearly 1.2 million people remain poor, huge strides have been made to improve living conditions and increase life opportunities. Infant mortality has halved since independence, and the incidence of malaria has fallen by 95 percent. Primary school enrollment rose from 65 percent in 2001 to 92 percent in 2013, and the proportion of parliamentary seats held by women stands at 38 percent, the highest in Asia.
The ASEAN Charter sets out four criteria for membership, three of which are met by Timor Leste: It is located in Southeast Asia, is recognized by the 10 ASEAN nations, and would agree to be bound and abide by the organization’s charter.
The fourth requirement, demonstrating an “ability and willingness to carry out the obligations of membership”, is for ASEAN’s members to judge. Concerns have been raised about its readiness to participate in the organization’s economic, political-security, and socio-cultural communities, given the hundreds of meetings it holds each year.
Timor Leste’s track record on governance suggests it would be a worthy member. The country has held three open elections without incident, and participates actively in international organizations such as the G7+ group of post-conflict states and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. Timor Leste represents a model for managing natural resources wealth, ranking near the top of the international Resources Governance Index, ahead of several ASEAN members.
ASEAN members appear open to Timor Leste’s application. The country’s ambassador to the Jakarta-based Secretariat was accredited in 2011, the same year the ASEAN Coordinating Council established a working group that commissioned studies on what it would mean for Timor Leste to join.
Membership is a win-win proposition. It would help Timor Leste to attract investment, develop trade links, and diversify its economy. It already has one of the most open trade policies in the region, but joining such a high-profile organization would send a powerful signal to investors and help to accelerate integration with the rest of Southeast Asia.
ASEAN, too, would benefit from the young population and strategic location of Timor Leste. The inspirational story of Timor Leste and its impressive development would be a shining example for all member states. It would give added meaning to the grouping’s members as they journey toward its Vision 2025, which calls for a “politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible” ASEAN.
Timor Leste has emerged as an able and willing member of the community of nations. The time has come for this country to take the next step on its road to prosperity. - See more at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/11/21/timor-leste-belongs-asean.html#sthash.B4EcUsFt.dpuf
he
impending launch of the ASEAN Economic Community is being marked this
week at a summit in Kuala Lumpur. It should also be the time for ASEAN
to consider opening the door to a new member. Timor Leste is Asia’s
youngest country — a stable democracy at the crossroads of Southeast
Asia and the Pacific. Acceptance as a member country would enhance its
prospects for economic development, while further strengthening the
organization’s centrality and relevance.
Timor Leste has made remarkable progress since gaining independence in 2002. Its infrastructure was in disrepair, social services absent, and government institutions at their inception. Despite brief periods of instability, the country now has a well-functioning government and is using its modest petroleum wealth to foster long-term economic growth.
Gaining membership has been a priority for Timor Leste throughout its short history. Successive governments have made the case through diplomatic efforts such as signing onto the ASEAN Regional Forum in 2005, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia two years later. By next year Timor Leste will have embassies in the capitals of every ASEAN member country.
These are impressive achievements for a young country, but not surprising to development partners that are helping rebuild its infrastructure and develop the skills needed for the economy to continue expanding.
Newly paved roads now connect Timorese with their Indonesian neighbors, and electricity reaches almost every corner of the country. Deregulation has transformed mobile telecommunications to such a degree that companies from two member countries — Vietnam and Indonesia — are now competing for a growing and increasingly connected customer base.
While many of Timor Leste’s nearly 1.2 million people remain poor, huge strides have been made to improve living conditions and increase life opportunities. Infant mortality has halved since independence, and the incidence of malaria has fallen by 95 percent. Primary school enrollment rose from 65 percent in 2001 to 92 percent in 2013, and the proportion of parliamentary seats held by women stands at 38 percent, the highest in Asia.
The ASEAN Charter sets out four criteria for membership, three of which are met by Timor Leste: It is located in Southeast Asia, is recognized by the 10 ASEAN nations, and would agree to be bound and abide by the organization’s charter.
The fourth requirement, demonstrating an “ability and willingness to carry out the obligations of membership”, is for ASEAN’s members to judge. Concerns have been raised about its readiness to participate in the organization’s economic, political-security, and socio-cultural communities, given the hundreds of meetings it holds each year.
Timor Leste’s track record on governance suggests it would be a worthy member. The country has held three open elections without incident, and participates actively in international organizations such as the G7+ group of post-conflict states and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. Timor Leste represents a model for managing natural resources wealth, ranking near the top of the international Resources Governance Index, ahead of several ASEAN members.
ASEAN members appear open to Timor Leste’s application. The country’s ambassador to the Jakarta-based Secretariat was accredited in 2011, the same year the ASEAN Coordinating Council established a working group that commissioned studies on what it would mean for Timor Leste to join.
Membership is a win-win proposition. It would help Timor Leste to attract investment, develop trade links, and diversify its economy. It already has one of the most open trade policies in the region, but joining such a high-profile organization would send a powerful signal to investors and help to accelerate integration with the rest of Southeast Asia.
ASEAN, too, would benefit from the young population and strategic location of Timor Leste. The inspirational story of Timor Leste and its impressive development would be a shining example for all member states. It would give added meaning to the grouping’s members as they journey toward its Vision 2025, which calls for a “politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible” ASEAN.
Timor Leste has emerged as an able and willing member of the community of nations. The time has come for this country to take the next step on its road to prosperity. - See more at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/11/21/timor-leste-belongs-asean.html#sthash.B4EcUsFt.dpuf
Timor Leste has made remarkable progress since gaining independence in 2002. Its infrastructure was in disrepair, social services absent, and government institutions at their inception. Despite brief periods of instability, the country now has a well-functioning government and is using its modest petroleum wealth to foster long-term economic growth.
Gaining membership has been a priority for Timor Leste throughout its short history. Successive governments have made the case through diplomatic efforts such as signing onto the ASEAN Regional Forum in 2005, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia two years later. By next year Timor Leste will have embassies in the capitals of every ASEAN member country.
These are impressive achievements for a young country, but not surprising to development partners that are helping rebuild its infrastructure and develop the skills needed for the economy to continue expanding.
Newly paved roads now connect Timorese with their Indonesian neighbors, and electricity reaches almost every corner of the country. Deregulation has transformed mobile telecommunications to such a degree that companies from two member countries — Vietnam and Indonesia — are now competing for a growing and increasingly connected customer base.
While many of Timor Leste’s nearly 1.2 million people remain poor, huge strides have been made to improve living conditions and increase life opportunities. Infant mortality has halved since independence, and the incidence of malaria has fallen by 95 percent. Primary school enrollment rose from 65 percent in 2001 to 92 percent in 2013, and the proportion of parliamentary seats held by women stands at 38 percent, the highest in Asia.
The ASEAN Charter sets out four criteria for membership, three of which are met by Timor Leste: It is located in Southeast Asia, is recognized by the 10 ASEAN nations, and would agree to be bound and abide by the organization’s charter.
The fourth requirement, demonstrating an “ability and willingness to carry out the obligations of membership”, is for ASEAN’s members to judge. Concerns have been raised about its readiness to participate in the organization’s economic, political-security, and socio-cultural communities, given the hundreds of meetings it holds each year.
Timor Leste’s track record on governance suggests it would be a worthy member. The country has held three open elections without incident, and participates actively in international organizations such as the G7+ group of post-conflict states and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. Timor Leste represents a model for managing natural resources wealth, ranking near the top of the international Resources Governance Index, ahead of several ASEAN members.
ASEAN members appear open to Timor Leste’s application. The country’s ambassador to the Jakarta-based Secretariat was accredited in 2011, the same year the ASEAN Coordinating Council established a working group that commissioned studies on what it would mean for Timor Leste to join.
Membership is a win-win proposition. It would help Timor Leste to attract investment, develop trade links, and diversify its economy. It already has one of the most open trade policies in the region, but joining such a high-profile organization would send a powerful signal to investors and help to accelerate integration with the rest of Southeast Asia.
ASEAN, too, would benefit from the young population and strategic location of Timor Leste. The inspirational story of Timor Leste and its impressive development would be a shining example for all member states. It would give added meaning to the grouping’s members as they journey toward its Vision 2025, which calls for a “politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible” ASEAN.
Timor Leste has emerged as an able and willing member of the community of nations. The time has come for this country to take the next step on its road to prosperity. - See more at: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/11/21/timor-leste-belongs-asean.html#sthash.B4EcUsFt.dpuf
