Investing in Southeast Asia: Key insights for Australian Researchers
Dec 13, 2024
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Nicholas Moore, Australia’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia and architect of the national economic strategy for the region, shares critical insights on Australia's evolving relationship with Southeast Asia. He delves into the projected economic significance of Southeast Asia, emphasizing the necessity for stronger trade ties and educational collaboration. Moore advocates for enhancing Asia literacy in Australia and fostering mobility through initiatives like the new Colombo Plan, all while addressing sustainable development challenges in energy and agriculture.
Australia's future economic prosperity and security are closely linked to Southeast Asia's growth, with the region projected to be the fourth largest economy by 2040.
Educational partnerships and research collaborations between Australia and Southeast Asia are essential for strengthening ties and enhancing regional capacity.
Deep dives
The Importance of Southeast Asia to Australia
Southeast Asia is crucial for Australia, impacting its security, prosperity, and economic future. This region is expected to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2040, with a growing middle class. The Australian government acknowledges this significance through the Invested Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, aimed at enhancing economic engagement. Nicholas Moore AO highlights that the region’s prosperity directly influences Australia's own security and economic well-being.
Strengthening Trade and Investment Relationships
Australia has a robust trading relationship with Southeast Asia, which serves as its second-largest trading partner. Despite this strong relationship, Australian foreign direct investment in Southeast Asia lags behind the global average, indicating room for growth. Nicholas points out the need for Australian businesses to see Southeast Asia as a viable investment destination, capitalizing on the region's economic demographics. Building mutual investments not only enriches both economies but also deepens ties and expands opportunities.
Building Capability through Education and Research
Education plays a vital role in strengthening Australia’s connections in Southeast Asia, with many students from the region pursuing higher education in Australia. Australian universities are enhancing regional capacity by facilitating knowledge transfer and research collaboration. Nicholas emphasizes that Australian agricultural research has significantly increased productivity in the region, benefitting both parties. Continued investments in educational partnerships and research initiatives will deepen this important relationship.
Addressing Barriers and Promoting Engagement
Several barriers hinder effective collaboration between Australian universities and Southeast Asia, including regulatory restrictions and limited understanding of cultural nuances. Engagement initiatives like trade missions to the region aim to foster awareness among Australian business leaders about Southeast Asia's opportunities. The establishment of centers to promote Asian literacy and cultural understanding is also crucial for building a collective knowledge base. By addressing these barriers and promoting proactive collaboration, Australia can enhance its partnership with Southeast Asian nations.
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.