This week I will travel to Laos for ASEAN meetings, then to Thailand to co-chair the inaugural Thailand-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue.
This year marks 50 years since Australia became ASEAN’s first dialogue partner. Southeast Asia is a centre of global economic activity and business, and is one of the world’s fastest-growing regions.
In Laos, I will co-chair the 56th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting and promote the benefits of our upgraded trade agreement, the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA.
I will also attend the East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting and the Third Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Ministers’ Meeting.
These trade agreements, alongside our Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, chart a pathway for our exporters, investors, and businesses to make the most of the region’s incredible opportunities.
Australia has a strong trade and investment relationship with Thailand, the second-largest economy in Southeast Asia. This year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement, and our economic relationship continues to grow, with our two-way trade at record highs of $30.8 billion.
At the Strategic Economic Dialogue I will discuss how Australia and Thailand can further deepen our trade and investment ties. I will also meet Australians doing business in Thailand and highlight their contribution to our economic partnership.
Greater engagement with Southeast Asia is a priority for the Albanese Labor Government and we are determined to make the most of the enormous opportunities for Australian businesses in the region.