Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is central to Australia’s national interests, with deep and enduring partnerships that span our economies, societies and people. Our security, prosperity and future economic growth are closely tied to the region. These connections extend well beyond geography, reflected in longstanding family, business, education and tourism links. Together, we share a vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region, where sovereignty is respected and international law is upheld.

Deepening Australia’s engagement with Southeast Asia is a priority for the Australian Government. The Office of Southeast Asia in the Department of foreign Affairs and Trade leads our whole-of-nation approach with the region.

Trade and investment

Southeast Asia is expected to be the world's fourth-largest economy by 2040 and is Australia's second-largest trading partner. The Australian Government is committed to deepening economic engagement by increasing two-way trade and investment with the region, including through Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

More about trade and investment in Southeast Asia.

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Development cooperation

Australia is committed to delivering high-quality development programs with local partners and continues to support Southeast Asia's growth and prosperity to support our shared development priorities.

More about development cooperation in Southeast Asia.

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Partnerships in the region

Southeast Asia is central to Australia's future. We contribute to one of the world's fastest growing regions through partnerships that support economic resilience, energy transition and climate adaptation, resilient communities and skills development.

More about Australia and Southeast Asia Partnerships.

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Climate action and transition to net zero

Australia is supporting enhanced climate action in Southeast Asia, improving the region's resilience to climate change and accelerate the region's energy transition. We want to help realise the economic opportunities for countries in our region to transition to a net zero world.

More about climate action and transition to net zero.

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Defence engagement

Australia has broad, deep and longstanding defence partnerships across Southeast Asia, and we continue to strengthen our military ties with the region. Defence cooperation continues to expand across key areas such as maritime security, peacekeeping, military medicine and English language training.

More about defence engagement in Southeast Asia.

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Cyber and critical tech cooperation

The Australian Government is committed to providing targeted, impactful and sustainable capacity building initiatives for enduring cyber resilience in the Indo-Pacific and ensuring Australia is the partner of choice in the region.

More about cyber and critical tech cooperation.

Gender equality and disability equity and rights

Australia is committed to working with ASEAN and partners across the region including governments, private sector and civil society to advance gender equality and realisation of the rights of people with disability.

More about gender equality and disability equity.