ASEAN Trade Boost: ASEAN economic ministers in Manila agreed to provisionally apply the updated ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (Atiga) protocol on a voluntary, reciprocal basis—starting before full entry into force next year—to keep trade moving despite Middle East disruptions; Timor-Leste was not among the 10 countries taking the early step. China-ASEAN Expo Spotlight: Timor-Leste is in Nanning for the 23rd China–ASEAN Expo as an ASEAN co-host for the first time, opening its pavilion and showcasing coffee, vanilla, cinnamon, handicrafts and tais, under the CAFTA 3.0 theme. New Trade Corridor: The expo also highlighted China’s newly opened Pinglu Canal, a river-to-sea route expected to cut logistics costs and speed goods between China’s southwest and ASEAN markets. Investment Rules Update: Hong Kong signed a first protocol to amend its ASEAN investment agreement, aiming to give Hong Kong firms non-discriminatory treatment across 10 ASEAN states, with Timor-Leste’s extension pending internal procedures. Health Oversight Warning: A report on delayed FDA-required postmarket drug and device studies points to gaps that can leave patients unclear on risks—an issue with clear relevance for regional health regulators.