A number of initiatives to improve regional development and integration were announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard during her participation in the East Asia Summit and the Australia-ASEAN Summit, in Hanoi on 30 October 2010.
Infrastructure connectivity
Australia will invest more than $132 million in a package of major infrastructure projects to improve transport and trade conditions in mainland South East Asia.
Improving connectivity is essential for South East Asia's future prosperity. Better transport links make a significant impact on poverty by creating better conditions for trade and economic development.
The package includes $126 million across five projects to improve roads, rail, and waterways in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam delivered in cooperation with the Asian Development Bank and World Bank.
It also includes $6 million in funding for countries in mainland South East Asia to streamline export processing, allowing them to take full advantage of improved infrastructure.
The package will help:
- rehabilitate the national rail network in Cambodia
- upgrade 118 bridges and 315 kilometres of secondary roads in Vietnam's Mekong Delta region
- develop a new highway connecting southern Vietnam with Bangkok through Cambodia's coastal provinces.
Protection of migrant workers
Greater movement of goods and people across borders in ASEAN brings many benefits, but also presents challenges. One of these is ensuring that the rights of migrant workers are protected.
The new five-year, $10.5 million Tripartite Action to Protect Migrants within and from the Greater Mekong Subregion from Labour Exploitation (TRIANGLE) initiative will work closely with governments, employer groups and migrant and civil society organisations across the region to better protect the rights of migrants, who are often exposed to sub-standard working conditions, and receive insufficient pay and legal protection. The TRIANGLE project will be implemented in partnership with the International Labour Organization.
Emerging infectious diseases and pandemics
Australia will commit $32 million from 2010 to 2014 to combat emerging infectious diseases and pandemics in the Asia Pacific region.
Australia plays a lead role in the international effort to address emerging infectious diseases and pandemics in the Asia Pacific region, and has provided almost $160 million since 2003. By working together with partners in the region, we have been able to significantly improve regional capacity.
Building on these achievements, Australia's new funding will support the promotion of international standards of animal and human health, strengthen systems for prevention, detection and control of emerging infectious diseases, and ensure a rapid response to outbreaks.
Further information
Media release: Prime Minister attends East Asia Summit in Hanoi