Abstract
Timor-Leste’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in August 2024 and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in October 2025 marks a historic milestone in its pursuit of economic diversification and regional integration. This report examines the implications of these memberships for Timor-Leste’s private sector, labour market institutions, and Employer and Business Membership Organizations (EBMOs), with a particular focus on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Timor-Leste (CCI-TL). It draws on desk research, business surveys and stakeholder consultations to assess readiness, institutional capacity, and strategic priorities for engagement.