ASEAN ‘age 57’ is in a different position for Australia

According to Mr. Kavi Chongkittavorn, Australia has recognized Southeast Asia as a region that offers “golden opportunities”. Australia is the Association’s first dialogue partner. Today, Australia is approaching ASEAN in more realistic and practical ways. ASEAN has the potential to become the world’s fourth largest economy in the future and Australia knows it is time to strengthen its position in the region. The two-way trade turnover in recent years between the two sides is larger than the trade turnover between ASEAN-US and ASEAN-Japan.

The report that Mr. Moore will present at this Conference is titled “Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040”, which examines 10 priority areas – agriculture and food, resources, and transformation. green energy, infrastructure, education and skills, tourism economy, healthcare, digital economy, professional and financial services and creative industries. These are essential areas that ASEAN continuously requests to promote cooperation from its five comprehensive strategic partners, including China, Japan, the US and India.

Mr Moore’s report comprehensively outlines how Australia can strengthen and deepen the relationship to promote more trade and investment with ASEAN. Some of the report’s 75 recommendations are ambitious, but they are achievable if both Australia and ASEAN work closely together.

Cooperation for peace and development

According to ASEAN experts, in addition to basic issues, Australian and ASEAN leaders will use this summit to discuss current regional and international issues that impact peace and stability in the region. region and around the world. Both sides are aware that countries in the region have different views and approaches to important strategic issues, including US-China competition, the Quad (including Japan, the US , Australia and India), AUKUS Alliance (Australia, UK and US), Russia-Ukraine conflict, Israel-Hamas conflict, Korean Peninsula, East Sea, Myanmar and other issues…

As a bloc, ASEAN has the most diverse political, economic and religious backgrounds in the world. The principles of non-interference in internal affairs and consensus must be respected in ASEAN.

The Thai journalist commented that Australia can act as a bridge between ASEAN and the US, something Japan has done very well. The best way for Prime Minister Albanese’s government to kick-start increased cooperation with ASEAN is to promote the realization of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), which does not target any third country.

Canberra’s steadfast support for AOIP priorities is key as it will maintain and enhance ASEAN centrality and relevance; while strengthening Australia’s regional position by adopting strong ASEAN-oriented approaches. This solidarity and prior unity is considered the identity of ASEAN and the Association will maintain this despite the existence of differences.

ASEAN experts believe that after the Melbourne conference, the ASEAN-Australia summit will be institutionalized and held annually. Their leaders will have many opportunities to further discuss common interests and challenges and strengthen partnerships. Australia can clearly demonstrate that it matters to ASEAN.