Southeast Asia Strategy and Development (SSD)

The Australian Government is deeply concerned by a series of dangerous and aggressive actions by China against the Philippines, including on 19, 25 and 31 August near Sabina Shoal.

The SEAG2G value proposition is that by leveraging Australia’s institutions and expertise, Australia can support partner countries to respond to critical economic development opportunities and challenges.

Eight years ago today, an Arbitral Tribunal, constituted under the UN Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS), made a unanimous, clear, and binding ruling in the South China Sea arbitration between the Philippines and China.

Southeast Asia offers Australia's live arts and entertainment companies economic opportunities and creative possibilities. As Southeast Asia's middle class grows, there will be more demand for cultural experiences.

The professional services sector (including legal, accounting, architecture, engineering and consulting services) is growing strongly in Southeast Asia. This reflects fast economic growth rates, rising trade and investment, the development of a range of industries, and major corporations coming to the region for supply chain reasons, all of which necessitates demand for professional services.

Southeast Asia's digital economy is growing rapidly and will have a transformative impact on commerce.

Southeast Asia's fast-growing population will create a major increase in demand for healthcare services and infrastructure to 2040. This will put significant pressure on health authorities across the region.

There is a major opportunity to grow two-way tourism between Australia and Southeast Asia. Geographical proximity, people-to-people links, education, and unique cultural and natural environment offerings all reinforce the attractions of two-way travel.

Australia's education sector is a national asset in our engagement with Southeast Asia. It has been integral to building enduring relationships and economic prosperity with the region. Over the past 20 years, over half a million Southeast Asian students have studied in Australia.

By 2040, Southeast Asia will need US$3 trillion in infrastructure investment to keep pace with economic and demographic changes and to close infrastructure gaps.