LNG Supply Diversification: With Gulf shipments hit by the Iran conflict, LNG buyers and traders are actively widening sourcing—looking beyond US and Qatar to options across West Africa, Oman, North America and Indonesia, while companies like PTT explore new long-term supply deals. Timor-Leste Energy Spotlight: Qatar’s LNG disruption has revived interest in new gas projects, with Timor-Leste again mentioned among potential developments as buyers search for more resilient supply. Trade & Investment Push: Timor-Leste joined the 23rd China–ASEAN Expo in Nanning as ASEAN’s 11th member and co-host, aiming to sell products like coffee, vanilla and handicrafts to China and attract investment under CAFTA 3.0 themes. Regional Rules for Business: ASEAN members agreed to provisionally apply an updated trade protocol to speed intra-ASEAN goods movement, while a separate ASEAN–Hong Kong investment protocol signed in Manila aims to improve non-discriminatory treatment for investors. Labour Mobility Link: Australia released the full PALM eligibility list, explicitly including Timor-Leste, reinforcing a pathway for Pacific workers to earn income and send remittances home. National Recognition: Timor-Leste awarded Prof. Babafemi Badejo its highest honour, the Order of Timor-Leste, for contributions to peacebuilding and conflict resolution.