The countries of Southeast Asia are poised to be major drivers of global growth in the decades ahead, writes Nicholas Moore AO, Australia’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia is one of the fastest-growing global regions and will be home to one of the most dramatic economic transformations of the 21st century. Throughout the region, population growth, increasing large and affluent middle classes, and urbanization trends will create a growing demand for a wider range of goods, services, and skills.
The considerable opportunity presented by Southeast Asia is at the core of my report for the Australian Government, Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, which was launched by the Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Jakarta on 6 September.
The strategy sets out a practical pathway to translate economic potential into tangible and enduring two-way trade and investment growth for Australia and our region.
It is the culmination of many months of consultations, in Australia and throughout the region, with business, government, and key stakeholders.
The strategy examines 10 key sectors, which I believe offer the most potential for economic growth – agriculture and food; resources; green energy transition; infrastructure; education and skills; visitor economy; healthcare; digital economy, professional and financial services; and creative industries – and provides 75 recommendations for government consideration.
Three ‘sectors to watch’ are identified for Laos: agriculture and food; resources; and green energy transition.
I welcome the Australian Government’s commitment to immediately support key initiatives that go to the heart of the strategy.
To increase investment in the region, Australia will establish deal teams to help identify opportunities and commercial partners and provide market intelligence and guidance on risk, regulation, and government engagement.
To raise awareness of business opportunities in Southeast Asia among Australian businesses, Australia will initiate a Southeast Asia Business Exchange – focused on coordinating business missions to the region, targeting priority sectors, and stepping up coordination with the Southeast Asian diaspora.
To expand trade and investment ties between Australia and Southeast Asia, the Government will deliver a trade and investment promotion campaign in Australia, which will build an understanding of Southeast Asian goods and services and highlight the region as an investment destination.
To grow capability in Australia and the region, a placements and internships pilot program for young professionals – with an initial focus on investment, energy transition, and the digital economy – will deliver enduring links between Australian and Southeast Asian businesses.
These early responses to the strategy demonstrate the Australian Government’s commitment to increasing trade and investment with Southeast Asia. Australian businesses are also taking notice of the opportunities the region presents – more than 170 Australian business people attended the recent ASEAN summits in Jakarta.
Expanding Australia’s trade and investment links with our region is critical to ensuring our shared future prosperity. These impactful first steps are key to advancing Australia’s ambition to significantly expand commercial links with the region – from now until 2040, and beyond.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Laotian Times.
