The first issue of Business Envoy for 2024 features the highly successful ASEAN-Australia Special Summit, held 4-6 March in Melbourne, which celebrated 50 years of partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
As we look to the next 50 years, Australia wants to continue enhancing our partnership with ASEAN, which has significantly contributed to the peace, security, stability, and prosperity of our region.
Several key announcements were made at the Summit that will support implementation of Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, including a $2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility to catalyse Australian private sector investment in one of the world's fastest growing regions; an additional $140 million through the Partnerships for Infrastructure program to support infrastructure development and attract diverse, quality infrastructure finance; and the appointment of ten senior, private sector Business Champions to help facilitate greater commercial links between Australia and Southeast Asia.
There's a handy map setting out key two-way trade figures for the ASEAN nations.
The March 2024 edition also has articles on encouraging women-owned and women-led business; a New Colombo Plan scholarship success story in Singapore; and a framework to grow the trade relationship with Nepal.
