From an UN-sponsored referendum in 1999 to independence in 2002 and ASEAN membership in 2025, Timor-Leste has undergone a remarkable transformation. Deputy Prime Minister Francisco Kalbuadi Lay reflects on the nation’s historic accession to ASEAN, its ambitions beyond petroleum dependency, and the role of green infrastructure and human capital, while reflecting on diplomacy, his own political journey, and opportunities for cooperation with Hong Kong.

從1999年聯合國主導的全民公投，到2002年獨立建國，再到2025年加入東盟，東帝汶走過了一段令人矚目的蛻變之路。東帝汶民主共和國副總理黎發芳  (Francisco Kalbuadi Lay) 細說國家歷史性加入東盟的經過、擺脫石油依賴的長遠盤算，以及綠色基建與人力資本所扮演的角色；他亦談到外交、個人的政治歷程，以至與香港合作的種種機遇。