In a speech to the 2023 ASEAN Business summit presenting on resilience and stability in a fractious global economy, Gusmao also called for reflection on the bloc’s commitment to development referring to the region’s refusal to “take sides in today’s geo-strategic contest between the worlds’ great powers” while building its market size to $2.3 trillion in value.

“It is with this understanding of how far our region has come that we can see how remarkable ASEAN’s economic achievements are.   And can admire the rise of miracle economies within ASEAN – including in Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore,” said Gusmao.

“Friends, it is important that we recognise the international significance of ASEAN’s success and its ability to build strong and stable nations from fragility and conflict.”

Gusmao said the region’s transformation has been achieved by building trust between ASEAN countries and by promoting stability, unity and peace in our region. 

“ASEAN has succeeded bringing countries with diverse cultures and histories together to form a community bound by a shared commitment to tolerance, friendship and cooperation,” he said.

On Timor-Leste’s decade long bid to become the eleventh member of ASEAN, Gusmao emphasised his country’s desire to be part of ASEAN’ “success story.”

He said this approach has allowed wide participation and ownership of ASEAN’s affairs, helping increase per capita wealth, life expectancy and health outcomes, lifting millions out of poverty.

Gusmao said full membership of ASEAN could provide business and foreign direct investors the confidence and security to invest in Timor-Leste.

“Attracting foreign direct investment is critical to growing Timor-Leste’s economy, creating jobs and to modernise and transform the economic structure of our nation,” he said.