ASEAN DSG Satvinder Singh Participates in the Díli Regional Cooperative Conference 2026

During the session, DSG Satvinder Singh spoke about the steps and opportunities that Timor-Leste can pursue following its integration into ASEAN mechanisms, particularly in strengthening economic integration and ensuring that the integration process delivers concrete benefits for Timor-Leste’s development.

He also emphasized that an economic development model applied in one ASEAN Member State may not necessarily be suitable for direct application in another country.

According to him, each country should learn from the experiences and models that already exist in the region, while adapting them to its own conditions, realities and specific needs. A country may also develop new models that are better suited to its own context and development priorities.

In addition to his participation as a panelist, DSG Satvinder Singh also held meetings with various stakeholders on the margins of the Conference, including a bilateral meeting with the Secretary of State for Cooperatives, Arsénio Pereira da Silva.

During the bilateral meeting, the Secretary of State for Cooperatives expressed his appreciation to DSG Satvinder Singh for accepting the invitation to come to Díli and contribute to the Conference as a speaker.

On this occasion, DSG Satvinder Singh also expressed his commitment that he and his team would remain ready to provide the necessary assistance and support to the Secretariat of State for Cooperatives whenever needed, particularly in areas that could help strengthen cooperation and Timor-Leste’s economic integration with ASEAN.

The Díli Regional Cooperative Conference 2026 was organized by the Secretariat of State for Cooperatives, in collaboration with the Office of the Vice Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment, and the ASEAN Cooperative Organization (ACO).

The two-day Conference was held from 2–3 October 2026 at the Palm Spring Hotel in Díli, Timor-Leste.

The main objective of the Conference was to bring together government representatives, cooperative movements, experts, private-sector representatives and development partners from Timor-Leste and abroad to exchange experiences, engage in discussions and provide recommendations on the role and importance of cooperatives in national development.

Through dialogue and the sharing of experiences, the Conference sought to identify pathways for strengthening the cooperative sector and enhancing its contribution to social and economic development, inclusion, opportunity creation and community empowerment.