Core Points - East Timor has officially become the 11th member of ASEAN, marking the first expansion of the organization in over two decades, which is seen as a significant achievement for both East Timor and ASEAN [1][2] - The inclusion of East Timor is expected to provide the country with greater development opportunities, particularly in trade and investment, amidst a backdrop of global trade protectionism [1][4] Group 1: Historical Context - The last expansion of ASEAN occurred in the late 1990s with the addition of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia [2] - East Timor declared independence from Indonesia in 2002 and has sought ASEAN membership since 2011, facing challenges due to its economic underdevelopment [2][3] Group 2: Economic Implications - East Timor's GDP is projected to be $1.881 billion in 2024, with a per capita GDP of $1,343, categorizing it as one of the least developed countries [2][3] - The country relies heavily on oil and gas revenues, and its economy is in urgent need of diversification due to declining oil prices and resource depletion [6] - Joining ASEAN provides East Timor access to a market with a total GDP of approximately $3.6 trillion, which could enhance trade opportunities for its agricultural and fishery products [7] Group 3: Regional Dynamics - East Timor's membership is seen as a strategic move for ASEAN to enhance its international influence amid increasing great power competition [4][8] - The integration of East Timor into ASEAN is expected to present both opportunities and challenges, particularly in terms of economic disparities among member states [8] Group 4: Future Prospects - East Timor's accession to ASEAN may lead to increased foreign direct investment, especially in infrastructure, tourism, and resource development [7] - The potential for improved governance and economic conditions in East Timor is linked to its ability to leverage ASEAN's support mechanisms, such as the ASEAN Poverty Reduction Fund [8][9] - The relationship between China and East Timor is expected to strengthen, with China having historically supported East Timor's development and now looking to expand cooperation following its ASEAN membership [9]

南方财经 21世纪经济报道记者 赖镇桃 "今天是创造历史的一天，东帝汶被正式接纳为东盟第11个成员国。对东帝汶人民来说，这不仅是梦想 的实现，更是对我们历程的有力见证。对东盟来说，这是一项愿景的延续。"东帝汶总理夏纳纳·古斯芒 在10月26日的东盟峰会上说道。 据央视新闻报道，第47届东盟峰会26日在马来西亚吉隆坡开幕，东帝汶在东盟各国领导人的共同见证 下，正式成为东盟第11个成员国。这也是东盟本世纪以来的首次扩容。 加入东盟的路，东帝汶走了十几年。古斯芒当天在签署《东帝汶加入东盟宣言》时，更是激动落泪。作 为全球最落后的国家之一，"入群"有望为这个国家带来更大的发展机遇，在贸易、投资等领域得到东盟 更多的资源支持。 值得关注的是，在全球贸易保护主义、单边主义泛起的背景下， 东盟时隔20多年扩容，也释放了非同 寻常的信号。 在接纳东帝汶入群之前，东盟的上一轮"纳新"，已经要回溯到上世纪。20世纪90年代中后期，越南 （1995年）、老挝（1997年）和柬埔寨（1999年）先后加入东盟。 2002年，东帝汶宣布从印尼独立，成为亚洲最年轻的国家。成立之初，东帝汶的高层便一直有着加入东 盟的夙愿。2011年，东帝汶 ...