LNG Security & Supply Diversification: LNG buyers are scrambling to diversify both suppliers and routes as the Iran conflict disrupts Gulf shipments, with Asian importers looking beyond dominant US and Qatar flows toward options across West Africa, Oman, North America, Indonesia, Australia and China; Thai state firm PTT is also signing long-term deals (including with Equinor) as governments push for wider gas project stakes. Timor-Leste at CAEXPO 2026: Timor-Leste is participating for the first time as ASEAN’s 11th member and co-host at the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, showcasing coffee, vanilla, cinnamon, handicrafts and tais textiles while seeking market and investment links under the CAFTA 3.0 theme. ASEAN Trade Rules Move Forward: ASEAN economic ministers agreed to provisionally implement an upgraded trade protocol (Atiga) to speed intra-ASEAN goods movement despite the Middle East crisis, with Timor-Leste noted as not yet included in the provisional step. Logistics Boost in the Region: China’s newly opened Pinglu river-to-sea canal is marketed as a major logistics cost saver for China-ASEAN trade, reinforcing the push for faster, cheaper shipping corridors. Energy Investment Context: Interest at the same LNG-focused events also points to new gas project momentum, including proposals drawing attention from buyers and investors.