Tour of ASEAN Nations to strengthen regional relations

Media release

16 February 2014

Trade, investment, regional security and education cooperation will be the key priorities during my visit to Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Cambodia from 16 to 21 February.

In this 40th anniversary year of Australia-ASEAN relations, I will meet with senior government and business leaders to discuss bilateral trade and investment opportunities.

In Malaysia I will meet with alumni of the former Menzies Government's Colombo Plan program and discuss opportunities for Australian students to study and gain work experience in businesses abroad under the Coalition Government's $100m New Colombo Plan.

I will meet members of the business community to promote trade and investment relations with Malaysia, our ninth largest trading partner.

In Vietnam, I will meet with senior government figures in Hanoi to advance Australia's economic diplomacy agenda and visit the Australia-Vietnam Joint Trans-National Crime Centre in Ho Chi Minh City.

While in Vietnam, I am looking forward to meeting with a number of women's networks supported by the Australian Government, to focus on women's empowerment and foster economic development through sustainable farming systems.

In Manila, the Australian Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb and I will attend the Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting on 20-21 February, accompanied by an Australian business delegation.

While in the Philippines I will discuss education and tourism links with Australia and attend a launch event celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Australia-ASEAN relations.

My visit to the Philippines follows my trip last December to observe the progress of our ongoing humanitarian efforts following Typhoon Haiyan. Australia provided $40 million for the reconstruction, clean water, food, shelter and health care, as well as military support with 550 defence personnel and equipment on the ground.

In Cambodia I will meet senior government figures in the Cambodian Government to discuss key bilateral priorities including our development assistance program.