Investing in Southeast Asia: Key insights for Australian Researchers
Dec 13, 2024
auto_awesome
Nicholas Moore, Australia’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia and architect of the national economic strategy, discusses the vital ties between Australia and Southeast Asia. He highlights the region's projected growth and its significance for Australia’s economic future. The conversation emphasizes the need for enhanced language literacy, collaboration among universities, and the opportunities for research in agriculture, governance, and energy transition, all aimed at deepening economic ties and fostering mutual prosperity.
Southeast Asia's projected emergence as the world's fourth-largest economy by 2040 necessitates Australia’s strategic economic engagement to ensure mutual prosperity.
Australian universities significantly contribute to regional development through education and research partnerships, fostering essential networks for future collaboration in Southeast Asia.
Deep dives
Strategic Importance of Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is vital for Australia’s economic and security prospects, serving as a key trading partner and source of investment. With the region projected to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2040, Australia recognizes the need to maintain strong ties to ensure mutual prosperity. Currently, Southeast Asia is Australia’s second-largest trading partner, emphasizing the importance of both sides in maintaining robust economic relationships. However, Australian foreign direct investment in the region is currently underwhelming compared to global levels, indicating significant room for growth and further engagement.
Mutually Beneficial Relationships
The relationship between Australia and Southeast Asia is mutually beneficial, providing substantial connections through education and investment opportunities. Over 250,000 individuals from Southeast Asia have studied at Australian universities, fostering a strong awareness of Australian culture and institutions. Australia's historical role in the region focuses on infrastructure and capability-building, particularly in areas like agriculture and governance. These initiatives not only support Australia’s presence in the region but also enhance regional development, creating a ripple effect of opportunity and growth.
Key Recommendations for Economic Engagement
The strategy outlined for enhancing Australia’s economic ties with Southeast Asia consists of 75 recommendations categorized into four key areas: raising awareness, removing blockages, building capability, and deepening investment. Raising awareness encourages Australian businesses to consider the opportunities in Southeast Asia rather than solely in traditional markets. Removing barriers to trade and investment, such as easing visa requirements for regional businesspeople, is essential for fostering greater collaboration. Finally, a focus on building capabilities through education and investment will strengthen partnerships and ensure that investments are well-utilized in the region’s growth.
Role of Education and Research
Australian universities play a crucial role in developing Southeast Asia's capabilities through educational partnerships and collaborative research opportunities. The presence of Australian institutions in the region and the hosting of Southeast Asian students create essential networks for future collaboration. Significant investment in research, particularly in areas like agriculture and governance, has already had notable positive impacts, including billions of dollars in agricultural productivity increases in countries like Indonesia and Vietnam. Continued focus on research collaboration promises to address pressing regional issues and foster long-term relationships that benefit both parties.
Southeast Asia is of vital importance to Australia. As a nation, Australia’s prosperity, security and economic future are intimately connected to the region. According to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, Southeast Asia is expected to be the fourth largest economy in the world by 2040, with its middle class already numbering close to 200 million people. Recognising the crucial significance of Southeast Asia to Australia, the Federal Government released Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040in September 2023, which provides a roadmap to deepening our economic engagement and increasing two-way trade and investment with the region. Natali’s guest on SSEAC Stories is Nicholas Moore who Lead the development of this national strategy, and who was appointed as Australia’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia in November 2022.