MELBOURNE, Australia—Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has outlined a vision for Australia, saying the nation’s prosperity lies in Southeast Asia.
The declaration comes as Beijing’s influence continues to loom over the ASEAN-Australia summit, and amid a move by Australian exporters to decrease reliance on the China market.
“This is why we will continue to support your ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific and ensure the stability and peace of our region,” Mr. Albanese told ASEAN leaders on day 3 of the ASEAN-Australia special summit in Melbourne on March 6.
“In all this, Australia is committed to working with you to make sure the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality, and independence are upheld—to ensure our region is secure, resilient, open, inclusive, and prosperous.
“Our understanding that more than any other part of the world, Southeast Asia is where Australia’s destiny lies.”
Acknowledging the 50-year friendship with ASEAN, Mr. Albanese said Australia sees the ambition of its strategic partnership “anchored” in friendship and trust.
“And to articulate our common vision for the next 50 years of our cooperation—to position ourselves and our partnerships—so we can seize and shape the opportunities transforming the region that all of us call home.”
Among the commitments outlined by Mr. Albanese was $61.5 million to strengthen connections with Southeast Asia, including funding for a cultural centre, university scholarships, professional placements, and cooperation on energy.
Of the $61.5 million, $36.7 million will be put towards building an ASEAN-Australia Centre in Canberra, while $12.9 million will be spent on 55 new fellowships for officials from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste.
Australia will also provide English training to people in Timor-Leste as the island nation works towards becoming an official ASEAN member state.
Scholarships will be provided to 75 emerging leaders to study in Australia.
Australia has a ‘Huge’ Amount to Offer
During an address on March 5, Mr. Albanese said that Australia has a “substantial” and “innovative” G20 economy with “world-class” raw materials, the knowledge to compete in the future economy, and the legal certainty for businesses to operate in Australia.“So there is so much more room for even stronger economic partnerships between us,” Mr. Albanese said.
In 2022, Australia’s trade with ASEAN member states passed $178 billion—greater than Japan and the United States.
Moreover, two-way trade with ASEAN nations was worth $307 billion.
“But we want to do more,” Mr. Albanese said.
“We want to do more to support regional growth and to realise the mutual benefits that come from this exchange to deepen our ties and boost the skills of our people.”
The PM said that businesses in Southeast Asia would be able to access markets in Australia, including infrastructure and clean energy technology.
Mr. Albanese also announced a $2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility that will provide loans, guarantees, equity, and insurance for projects that would boost Australian trade and investment in the region.
In all, the ASEAN-Australia partnership is focused on four areas: trade and investment, climate and clean energy transition, maritime cooperation, and emerging leadership.
“When our region prospers, Australia prospers,” he said.
“Our work internationally is delivering for Australians—for jobs, for our economy, and for our people.”
