Timor-Leste building momentum through regional integration

Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (C) speaks with East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta (L) and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao during the gala dinner of the 47th AseanSummit in Kuala Lumpur on October 27, 2025. - POOL/AFP)

DILI: At dusk in Dili, Timor-Leste's capital, the western Tibar Bay glows orange-gold as cranes rise and fall over the harbour. At the Tibar Bay Port quay, containers are being loaded and unloaded in the sunset, as workers move briskly against the light.

Built by a Chinese enterprise, this port is one of the most symbolic infrastructure projects since Timor-Leste regained independence in 2002. For a young nation of about 15,000 square km and fewer than 1.4 million people, the port's bustle signals momentum to integrate into the regional economy.