ASEAN Role: Timor-Leste co-hosted the China-ASEAN Expo for the first time, joining a five-day event that drew 3,432 businesses from 73 countries and regions. Regional Links: Thailand and Timor-Leste agreed to speed up talks on direct Bangkok–Dili flights and promote trade, including rice; Vietnam is also exploring cooperation with Dili on rice, coffee and fisheries to strengthen local production and food security. Economic Risks: An ASEAN Foundation official says scam operations have spread to Timor-Leste, alongside the Philippines and Myanmar. Separately, a regional economic analysis warns that Timor-Leste and other poorer Southeast Asian economies face pressure from high energy costs and dwindling foreign-exchange reserves. Development: A report on Timor-Leste’s first year in ASEAN describes rapid construction and growing business activity in Dili, but says poverty and malnutrition remain major challenges.