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March 3, 2023
FNOMPEN – ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization established in 1967 with the main goal of promoting economic growth, political stability and social progress in the Southeast Asian region.
Over the years, the organization has expanded to include ten member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. In recent years, there have been calls to expand ASEAN’s membership to include other countries such as Timor-Leste.
Timor-Leste has been seeking ASEAN membership since 2011, but ASEAN members have expressed some misgivings, citing concerns about the island nation’s willingness to join the regional organization. Singapore, for example, has reportedly expressed reservations about Timor-Leste’s candidacy for ASEAN membership. To illustrate this, a Straits Times article published on 25 July 2016 titled “Singapore wary of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership bid” reported that “Singapore is wary of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership bid due to concerns over its stability and readiness for membership”. However, these reports were based on anonymous sources and that no official statement by any ASEAN member state openly opposed Timor-Leste’s membership.
In any case, Timor-Leste continues to work towards fulfilling the requirements for membership. Moreover, the country has received strong support from other ASEAN member states, most notably Cambodia, which has actively supported Timor-Leste’s membership bid, especially during its 2022 ASEAN Presidency.
This overview looks at some of the benefits that Cambodia will gain from supporting Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN.
economic benefit
One of the major benefits that Cambodia will derive from supporting Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN is economic. ASEAN is one of the fastest growing economic regions in the world with a combined GDP of over $3 trillion. By joining ASEAN, Timor-Leste will gain greater access to this huge market, which will bring significant economic benefits.
In addition, Cambodia, as a current member of ASEAN, will also benefit from increased trade and investment opportunities with Timor-Leste. For example, as a major rice producer and exporter in the region, Cambodia was recently in talks with Timor-Leste to purchase Cambodian rice and invest in local rice mills and warehouses after backing the Dili ASEAN proposal. In addition, Timor-Leste is a potential market for Cambodian polished rice, according to Lun Yeng, secretary general of the Cambodian Rice Federation (CRF), as Timor-Leste is a small country in Southeast Asia that relies heavily on imported products. nutrition. to meet your needs. household needs.
In addition, East Timor has significant oil and gas reserves that could be a valuable source of energy for Cambodia. As of January 1, 2021, Timor-Leste’s proven oil reserves are estimated at 259 million barrels and proven natural gas reserves at 11.2 trillion cubic feet, according to the Oil and Gas Journal. As a result, the two countries could develop joint ventures in the energy sector for mutual benefit. In addition, joint ventures in the energy sector could be an important source of income for both countries and contribute to economic development and job creation. It is noteworthy that this will significantly strengthen the energy independence of Cambodia.
In addition, increased tourism and cultural exchange between Cambodia and Timor-Leste could have a number of benefits. First, the growth of tourism from Timor-Leste to Cambodia could bring economic benefits to the Kingdom’s tourism industry. Cambodia is a popular tourist destination and the country’s rich history and culture can draw visitors from Timor. With the development of tourism, there may be new employment opportunities and new businesses to serve Timorese visitors.
Political benefits
Another benefit that Cambodia will derive from supporting Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN is political. ASEAN is a powerful political organization with a strong voice in regional and international affairs. By supporting the entry of Timor-Leste into ASEAN, Cambodia will increase its political influence in the organization. This would give Cambodia more leverage in negotiations and decision-making within ASEAN, which would be in the country’s national interest. In addition, support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership could be in line with Cambodia’s broader foreign policy objectives of promoting regional integration and cooperation. As a regional organization, ASEAN has played an important role in promoting peace, stability and economic development in Southeast Asia. By supporting the admission of new members such as Timor-Leste, Cambodia could help strengthen the bloc’s unity and centrality, and strengthen its role as the leading regional forum for dialogue and cooperation.
It could also contribute to Cambodia’s efforts to expand its diplomatic and economic relations beyond its immediate neighbours. Timor-Leste’s membership in ASEAN will promote greater regional integration by expanding the bloc’s geographic reach. This would give Cambodia more room to strengthen relations with other ASEAN member states as well as Timor-Leste.
In addition, Cambodia will demonstrate its commitment to regional stability and security by supporting the accession of Timor-Leste to ASEAN. Timor-Leste is a small developing country that has faced significant political and social challenges in recent years. By joining Timor-Leste with ASEAN, Cambodia and other member states will send a message of support and solidarity to this struggling nation. This will help strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation among ASEAN member states, which will benefit regional stability and security.
Social benefits
Finally, Cambodia will benefit socially from supporting Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN. ASEAN is an economic or political organization, as well as a cultural and social organization. By including Timor-Leste in ASEAN, Cambodia will promote cultural exchange and understanding between the two countries. This would help strengthen ties between people, which would benefit both countries. In addition, social and cultural benefits will also create political benefits from having Cambodia referred to as a peace-loving country that promotes social and cultural harmony among the member states of the bloc. In return, this will strengthen the good image of Cambodia in the international arena, the so-called “soft power”.
In addition, by supporting the accession of Timor-Leste to ASEAN, Cambodia will promote inclusion and diversity. ASEAN is a diverse organization in which member states vary greatly in culture, religion, and political systems. By joining Timor-Leste to ASEAN, Cambodia will demonstrate its commitment to these values by sending a positive signal to the region and the world.
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