Australia is a reliable partner Southeast Asia can count on and has strong relationships with countries in our region – some with more than 70 years of bilateral relations. We are prioritising our region and our relationships, and we will continue to strengthen these relationships to ensure we are positioned to meet shared challenges.
Australia's Regional Development Partnership with Southeast Asia
Australia's future is tied to the future of Southeast Asia. We have enduring connections through geography, trade and people and a shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. The Australia – Southeast Asia Regional Development Partnership Plan translates the development priorities Australia shares with Southeast Asia into action.
More about Australia's Regional Partnership with Southeast Asia.
Australia's Southeast Asia Maritime Partnerships
Australia and Southeast Asia have a shared interest in enhancing maritime security and upholding international law to contribute to the security and prosperity of the region. We are investing $160 million over ten years (2024-2034) to enhance Australia's Southeast Asia Maritime Partnerships consistent with the priorities of our regional partners.
More about Australia's Southeast Asia Maritime Partnerships.
Mekong-Australia Partnership
Australia is working with Mekong partners to build a more resilient and inclusive Mekong subregion. Australia and the Mekong subregion have a long history of cooperation through our practical and responsive support for the subregion's needs and people-to-people links.
More about the Mekong-Australia Partnership.
Partnerships for Infrastructure (P41)
Partnerships for Infrastructure (P41) is a multi-phase Australian Government initiative to enable two-way sharing of policy insights and technical experience. P4I has facilitated 41 partnerships between Australian and Southeast Asian organisations on energy, transport, and telecommunications infrastructure development.
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Southeast Asia and Australia Government Partnerships program (SEAG2G)
The Southeast Asia and Australia Government Partnerships program (SEAG2G) is an Australian whole-of-government initiative that enables Australian federal and state government agencies to deepen and sustain partnerships with counterparts in Southeast Asia; sharing knowledge and building policy and technical capabilities to respond to social and economic development priorities in the region.
More about SEAG2G.
ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)
Australia's partnership with ASEAN is based on friendship, mutual trust, shared interests and a positive vision for our region's future. In 2021, Australia and ASEAN opened a new chapter with the historic decision to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), an important demonstration of our commitment to ASEAN and its central role in a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
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Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement provides Australian business and industry with market access and improved rules for growing trade and investment in the fast-growing and dynamic Indo-Pacific region. It is the world's largest free trade agreement by population and gross domestic product, and brings together ten ASEAN Member States, Australia, China, Japan, Republic of Korea and New Zealand under a common set of rules on goods, services, investment and e-commerce.
More about RCEP.
Partnerships for a Healthy Region
Partnerships for a Healthy Region is part of Australia's continued investment in the health of our region and is an important contribution to the Pacific and Southeast Asia's recovery from COVID-19. The initiative will help build resilient and equitable health systems in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, supporting partner countries to reduce disease risks, burdens and respond effectively to health emergencies.
More on Partnerships for a Healthy Region.