australia in the asian century media release

7/27/2019 Australia in the ASIAN Century Media Release

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MEDIA RELEASES

AUSTRALIA IN THE ASIAN CENTURY MEDIA RELEASES

1. Australia in the Asian Century White Paper: Australias roadmap for navigating the

Asian century

2. The Asian Century an Australian opportunity

3. Lifting prosperity in the Asian century

4. Boosting innovation in the Asian century

5. Australias infrastructure in the Asian century

6. NBN to facilitate closer ties with Asia

7. Deregulation to drive Australia towards Asian century success

8. Small business to profit in the Asian century

9. A resilient and sustainable Australia in the Asian century

10. White Paper sets course for Asia studies

11.Australian universities to be worlds best in the Asian century

12. Public sector leadership in the Asian century

13. Attracting skilled migrants, tourists and students to Australia in the Asian century

14. Regional Australia to drive stronger links with Asia

15. Asian century grants scheme to fund business development

16. Australia to pursue free trade area of the Asia Pacific

17. Australia to devote more trade and investment resources to Asia

18.Agriculture key to Australias role in the Asian century

19. Defence and security in the Asian century

20. Building relationships with our regional partners

21. Cultural diplomacy a vital underpinning for Asian century

22. Sport a powerful unifier in the Asian century


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PRIME MINISTER

AUSTRALIA IN THE ASIAN CENTURY WHITE PAPER:AUSTRALIAS ROADMAP FOR NAVIGATING THE ASIAN CENTURY

Prime Minister J ulia Gillard today released theAustralia in the Asian Century WhitePaper, a roadmap showing how Australia can be a winner in the Asian century.

The White Paper lays out an ambitious plan to ensure Australia will emerge strongerover the decades ahead, by taking advantage of the opportunities offered by theAsian century.

In this century, the region in which we live will become home to most of the worlds

middle class and will be the worlds largest producer of goods and services, and thelargest consumer of them.

The scale and pace of Asias rise is staggering, and there are significantopportunities and challenges for all Australians.

It is not enough to rely on luckour future will be determined by the choices wemake and how we engage with the region we live in. We must build on our strengthsand take active steps to shape our future.

The White Paper sets out a number of targets for our country over the next 13 years

to 2025 to ensure Australia can fulfil its ambitions and compete effectively withinAsia, including:

By 2025, Australias GDP per person will be in the worlds top 10, up from 13th in2011, requiring a lift in our productivity.

This will mean Australias average real national income will be about$73,000 per person in 2025 compared with about $62,000 in 2012.

By 2025, our school system will be in the top five in the world, and 10 of ouruniversities in the worlds top 100.

Globally we will be ranked in the top 5 countries for ease of doing business andour innovation system will be in the worlds top 10.

Studies of Asia will be a core part of the Australian school curriculum.

All students will have continuous access to a priority Asian languageChinese(Mandarin), Hindi, Indonesian and J apanese.

Our leaders will be more Asia literate, with one-third of board members of

Australias top 200 publicly listed companies and Commonwealth bodies havingdeep experience in and knowledge of Asia.


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Our economy will be deeply integrated; our trade links with Asia will be at leastone-third of GDP, up from one-quarter today.

Our diplomatic network will have a larger footprint across Asia supporting

stronger, deeper and broader links with Asian nations.

The White Paper sets out a comprehensive agenda for making the most of theopportunities ahead. It considers how Australia will successfully navigate the yearsahead across five areas: strengthening our economy; building our capabilities;connecting to growing markets; ensuring sustainable security; and nurturing deeperand broader relationships.

It sets out what actions can be taken by governments, and also calls on businessesand communities to play their part in shaping our future.

By 2025, this means real change for Australians.

Children in kindergarten now will graduate from high school with a sound workingknowledge of Asia because, throughout their schooling, the curriculum will haveincluded studies relevant to Asia and access to a priority Asian language.

Work and holiday agreements between Australia and its neighbours in Asia willmean more opportunity for work and study in the region and to take up professionalopportunities as they emerge.

The financial markets will be better integrated and capital will flow more easily acrossborders for investment, innovation and jobs growth.

Global and regional value chains will be broader and deeper across the regionwithopportunities for both small and large businesses.

Explosion in demand for high-quality agricultural products will mean opportunities forour farmers and regional Australia.

More tourists from nations in Asia will choose Australia as a holiday destination andmore students from the region will study here in more advanced universities.

The National Broadband Network will reach across Australia giving access to thefurthest corners of the region.

Australia will have more comprehensive diplomatic ties with key regional nationsChina, India, Indonesia, J apan and South Koreaand will have expanded them withmany others, from Mongolia to Vietnam and beyond.

Australia comes to these challenges with firm foundations: a strong economy, a trackrecord of engagement in the region, and the person-to-person connections manyAustralians already have with people in Asian countries.


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The White Paper calls on all of us to play our part in becoming a more Asia-literateand Asia-capable nation.

The Australian Government will play its part in leading our nation to this vision of thefuture during a time of enormous change. Like past Labor governments, we will

manage and shape change with the aim of providing better opportunities for all.

To support the implementation of this ambitious plan for the future, Craig Emerson,Minister for Trade and Competitiveness, will take on the responsibility for assistingthe Prime Minister to deliver on the objectives of the White Paper. His newresponsibilities, as Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Asian Century Policy, willcomplement his existing portfolio responsibilities.

Prime Minister Gillard thanked each of the White Paper Task Force and AdvisoryPanel members, and those organisations and individuals who contributed to theWhite Paper consultation process, both in Australia and overseas, as she asked for

the broader community to consider their part in shaping a shared future.

Copies of the White Paper will be made available online from 11AM atwww.asiancentury.dpmc.gov.au

SYDNEY28 OCTOBER 2012

PRESS OFFICE: (02) 6277 7744
http://www.asiancentury.dpmc.gov.au/http://www.asiancentury.dpmc.gov.au/


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There is significant potential for continued labour productivity growth, with output per personin China only 20 per cent of that in the United States, while India and Indonesia have barely

reached 10 per cent.

Even under a slow growth scenario assuming that productivity gains are 50 per cent lessthan anticipated Asia will still be the fastest growing region in the world, with four of theten largest economies in the world still projected to be in Asia by 2025.

The fundamental message of the White Paper is that the Asian century will offer enormous

opportunities for Australia across all sectors of our economy including resources, services,

agriculture and manufacturing.

We have already seen Asias demand for raw materials create an extraordinary boom in minerals

and energy investment, and Asias ongoing industrialisation and urbanisation will continue to drive

robust demand for a wide range of mineral resources.

We can be confident that Australian resources investment will remain at high levels over the

medium term and will continue to lift resource production and exports.

Asias transformation will bring unprecedented opportunities for Australia beyond resources, with

Asias middle class anticipated to increase by more than 2.5 billion people by 2030 and account for

around 60 per cent of global middle-class consumption.

This means countries in Asia will demand a diverse range of goods and services, from health and

aged care to education to household goods and tourism, as well as high-quality food products.

Australia is in the prime position to meet this burgeoning demand and take advantage of the

enormous opportunities unfolding right on our very doorstep.

A key theme of the White Paper is that one of Australias great strengths is our people we have a

highly-skilled, adaptable and creative population with deepening connections with the region and

demonstrated capability in innovation and complex problem-solving.

We also have an open, flexible and resilient economy by any measure one of the strongest in the

world with world-class institutions and a high level of productivity.

Our economy has been built on the back of hard work, good decisions and an appetite for

forward-thinking reforms.

To make the most of the abundant future opportunities we need to sprint to keep up with the rapid

changes in our region we cannot assume that we will benefit from location alone.

This means building resilience and lifting productivity growth, finding new ways to operate in andconnect with growing Asian markets, building sustainable security and forging deeper and broaderrelationships in our region.

Critically, we must continue investing in our most valuable resource our people to ensure thatall Australians can participate in and benefit from the Asian century.

This will require a concerted and coordinated effort by governments, business and the broadercommunity over many years, and is a challenge that our entire nation must prepare for.

Contact: Matthew Coghlan 0415 098 050


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PRESSRELEASE

The Hon Wayne Swan MP

Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer

www.treasurer.gov.au

\Internal\DFS\Users\PMC5653\Desktop\Media releases\Lifting prosperity in the Asiancentury.docx

28 October 2012

LIFTING PROSPERITY IN THE ASIAN CENTURY: A FIVE PILLAR

PRODUCTIVITY PLATFORM

The Gillard Government is setting an ambitious goal forAustralia in the Asian Century WhitePaper of breaking into the worlds top ten in GDP per person by 2025, with a nation-wide effort to

boost our productivity growth.

Achieving this goal would mean that Australias real income per person could rise to around$73,000 by 2025 from $62,000 in 2011.

Since the Labor Government came to office Australia has moved up four places in the worldrankings to 13th by this measure, reflecting our communitys hard work and resilience in the face ofthe worst global economic turbulence in three quarters of a century.

We cannot take these gains for granted, and while we are already a highly productive economy byworld standards, reaching the top ten will require a sustained and concerted effort to lift our

productivity growth.

Together, the objectives and pathways in the White Paper provide a roadmap for Australia toachieve this ambitious productivity goal.

An important part of this will be lifting our productivity performance at home, irrespective ofexactly how the Asian century evolves.

That is why the Government will progress domestic reforms and investments across five pillars of

productivity: skills and education, innovation, infrastructure, tax, and regulation.

This will lay the building blocks for Australia to achieve this ambitious productivity goal, and willhelp Australia make enormous advances in the Asian century.

Achieving this ambitious productivity goal will also hinge on our engagement and integration withthe region, and cannot be achieved by the Government alone. Australia will need governments at alllevels, business and the broader community to pull together over many years in order lift Australias

productivity and prosperity.

Skills and education


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Investing in the skills and education of the Australian community has been absolutely core businessfor the Gillard Labor Government, with this focus set to intensify as we set about reaching theambitious goals set out in theAustralia in the Asian Century White Paper.

Strong increases in funding from early childhood to higher education are giving our students thebest chance to excel and seize the opportunities of the Asian century.

We will deliver $5.3 billion in additional funding for universities for the period 2012-2015 and the$1.75 billion skills National Partnership to improve access, responsiveness and quality in the VETsector. The White Paper sets out the importance of all Australians improving their knowledge ofAsia through the education and skills sectors. That is why Asia-literacy will be a core requirementin new educations reforms being negotiated under theNational Plan for School Improvement.

As we continue on our reform path, we will ensure Australias school systems will be in the top fiveschooling systems in the world, and our universities and training systems will be among the worlds

best.

Innovation

The White Paper sets out that we must strive to find better ways of doing business, develop newbusiness models and create new and improved products.

This will be a primary driver of the improvements in productivity and competitiveness needed forAustralia to take advantage of opportunities afforded by the Asian century.

Our vision is for Australia to have an innovation system that is in the top ten globally. To achievethis it must support dynamism in business with a creative problem solving culture. Our innovationsystem must also boost our evolving areas of strength to attract top researchers, companies and

global partnerships.

Since coming into office in 2007, this Government has increased support for science, research andinnovation by 35 per cent to $8.9 billion.

We have improved support to innovating businesses through the new R&D Tax Incentive and theintroduction of Commercialisation Australia as well as increasing funding for university research by44 per cent.

We are helping firms take advantage of the clean energy future by investing through the CleanEnergy Finance Corporation and the Clean Technology Programs.

Infrastructure

The White Paper acknowledges the central role that high quality and coordinated infrastructureplays in improving our productivity.

This Government has a proud record of investing in Australias nationally significant infrastructureto lift our productive capacity while lowering costs for business. We are investing over $36 billionin roads, rail and ports over the six years to 2013-14, as part of our Nation Building programs.

Infrastructure Australia was established as one of the first acts of this Government to help bettertarget the allocation of infrastructure spending towards the right projects and drive the development

of a long-term, coordinated national approach to planning and investment.


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The Gillard Government will put in place measures to ensure better planning and prioritisation ofinfrastructure, and greater private sector investment, to support a growing Australian population andincreasing trade and investment with the Asian region.

This means implementing a systematic national framework, including preparing 20-yearinfrastructure strategies, in conjunction with States and Territories, to identify specific transport and

infrastructure priorities.

Tax reform

Ongoing tax reform is a critical way that we can continue to boost our nations productivity.

The White Paper points out that tax reform which promotes new investment and sensible risks helpsto encourage innovation and boost productivity.

The Government has rolled out a number of tax reform initiatives that boost productivity, includingsimpler and more generous depreciation arrangements for small business, loss carry-back, and an

infrastructure tax incentive.

We will continue to explore ways to boost productivity through business tax reform that can befunded from within the business tax system.

The Government has now implemented or is implementing some 40 tax reforms which advancerecommendations of theAustralias Future Tax System Review.

We are tripling the tax-free threshold from $6,000 to $18,200 to encourage workforce participation.

We have ensured the retirement income system is well placed to respond to the opportunities andchallenges presented by an ageing population, by gradually increasing the Age Pension qualifyingage from 65 to 67.

We are progressively increasing the Superannuation Guarantee from 9 to 12 per cent, abolishing itsmaximum age limit, and making the tax concessions provided for superannuation contributionsfairer for both low and very high income earners.

We have also reformed inefficient tax concessions, such as the fringe benefits tax treatment of cars,living-away-from-home allowances and benefits, and in-house fringe benefits, and also the taxoffsets provided for golden handshakes and dependent spouses.

As well as improving the efficiency of the tax system, these decisions also improve the long-termposition of the budget and make room for productivity enhancing investments like the National Planfor School improvement.

Regulatory reform

By 2025, Australia will strive to be among the most efficiently regulated countries in the world,increasing Australias attractiveness for foreign investors.

The Government already has a strong record of undertaking regulatory reform to enhanceproductivity, improve competition and lower costs for business.

Specifically, Australia should aspire to reach the top five for ease of doing business. To achievethis goal, development of a new round of regulatory and competition reform is already underwaythrough the Council of Australian Governments and its Business Advisory Forum.


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This will build on the significant achievements to date through the Seamless National Economyreforms to regulation and competition, which are delivering long-term benefits for the Australianeconomy.

The productivity challenge

In order to achieve this ambitious productivity target and continued prosperity, everyone will needto play their part.

Through these five pillars, the Government will continue to play its part in setting a framework tosupport business and the community to take on these challenges.

Its vital we step up the pace in building the capabilities that will ensure our entire nation cancapitalise on the immense opportunities of the Asian century.

Our greatest responsibility is to invest in our people through education, to nurture a highly skilledworkforce and to put opportunities within reach of all Australians.

The Gillard Government is committed to continuing the hard work of reform to build Australiascapabilities and facilitate productivity growth so that Australians can seize the opportunities andnavigate the challenges of the Asian century.

Contact: Matthew Coghlan 0415 098 050


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Media Statement

PARLIAMENT HOUSE CANBERRA ACT 2600

Telephone: 02 6277 7680 Facsimile: 02 6273 4126

AUSTRALIAS INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE ASIAN CENTURY

Infrastructure investment will play a key role in harnessing the opportunities andaddressing the challenges of the Asian century.

Infrastructure is a core pillar of the plan for boosting productivity growth and incomescontained in the Gillard GovernmentsAustralia in the Asian Century White Paper.

Todays White Paper reinforces the importance of a national framework fordeveloping, financing and maintaining nationally significant infrastructure. This willassist governments and the private sector to plan and prioritise infrastructure needs

at least 20 years ahead.

The White Paper emphasises that well-planned and prioritised infrastructureinvestment will support Australias growing trade and investment with the region aswell as improving productivity and the efficient movement of goods and peoplebothdomestically and internationally.

Better infrastructure will reduce future congestion costs by billions of dollars a year.

The Government has paved the way in positioning Australias infrastructure to meetthe challenges ahead through a comprehensive reform and investment agenda.

We have doubled annual infrastructure spending from $141 to $269 per Australian,with large scale road, rail and public transport projects expected to generate longterm economic, social and environmental benefits far exceeding what they cost tobuild.

Through the establishment of Infrastructure Australia, we have overhauled the wayour nation plans, prioritises, finances, builds and uses infrastructure.

We have boosted the economy through our $36 billion Nation Building Program and

encouraged the use of technology to enhance the productivity of our roads throughour Smart Motorways projects.

The Interstate Rail Network is carrying more freight than ever before and at muchfaster speeds with average transit times between Brisbane and Melbourne, forexample, now seven hours shorter than they were in 2005.

After more than a century of failed attempts, Australia is now only months away fromnew national regulators in heavy vehicle, maritime and rail safety which will delivermore than $30 billion in national productivity benefits over the next 20 years.

Our landmark shipping reforms which commenced on 1 J uly this year have alreadybegun to harness the trade opportunities in the Asian region. The combination of a


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zero tax rate and internationally competitive employment conditions will help torevive Australias involvement in international shipping.

In the competitive, globalised world of the 21st century, infrastructure matters. Ourrecord investment combined with the national leadership weve taken to planning

and prioritising Australias infrastructure needs means we are well placed to takeadvantage of the opportunities presented by the Asian century.

28 OCTOBER 2012 Media Contact: Virginia Kim 0407 415 484


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SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG

MINISTER FOR FINANCE AND DEREGULATION

MEDIA RELEASE

Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 Australia Tel: (02) 6277 7400 Fax: (02) 6273 4110

PW 219/12 28 October 2012

DEREGULATION TO DRIVE AUSTRALIATOWARDS ASIAN CENTURY SUCCESS

Australia will continue to reduce red tape and improve regulatory frameworks in order toboost Australias competitiveness and increase business productivity in the Asiancentury.

TheAustralia in the Asian CenturyWhite Paper released today sets out a clearroadmap for Australian governments, business, unions and the community, to ensureAustralia is best positioned to take advantage of the opportunities of the Asian century.

We recognise that Australias economic growth in the Asian century will be increasinglytied to the growth of our region. Thats why its important to find ways of ensuring allAustralians will be able to benefit from and participate in Australias growing prosperity

and engagement in the Asian region, Minister for Finance and Deregulation, SenatorPenny Wong, said.

For Australian businesses to be competitive, we need efficient, well designedregulation that allows them to be flexible and innovative.

Our aim is, that by 2025, Australia will be in the worlds top five when it comes to easeof doing business.

The Gillard Government will enter into a National Productivity Compact with the statesand territories, focused on regulatory and competition reform.

This will build on the Business Advisory Forum held in April this year where businessgroups met directly with the Prime Minister and First Ministers.

Following the Business Advisory Forum, COAG agreed to an ambitious new regulatoryand competition reform agenda, with six priority areas for major reform to lower costs forbusiness, including rationalising carbon reduction and energy efficiency schemes andaddressing duplication of environmental assessment and approval processes.

Significant progress has been made on these reforms, with advice to be considered by

COAG in December 2012.


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The Gillard Government is working with the States and Territories to pursue concreteinitiatives to lift regulatory performance across all areas of regulatory practice.

Australia is already acknowledged as a world leader when it comes to regulatoryarrangements, but there is always more to do, Minister Wong said.

We want to ensure that Australia is as competitive as it can be as we enter the Asiancentury.

The National Productivity Compact is expected to be agreed at the next meeting of theBusiness Advisory Forum, and will affirm a shared understanding between AustralianGovernments and the business community of the imperative to improve Australiasnational productivity and business competitiveness.

Media contact: Evelyn Ek 0412 887 853


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MEDIA RELEASE

THE HON BRENDAN OCONNOR MPMinister for Housing

Minister for HomelessnessMinister for Small Business

28 October 2012

Small Businesses to profit in the Asian Century

Australias three million small businesses stand on the edge of the fastest growing economicregion in the world, giving them access to great opportunities for business growth.

TheAustralia in the Asian Century White Paper released today provides a comprehensiveoverview of how small and medium-sized enterprises will be supported to work acrossregional borders, meeting regional demand for quality goods and services.

The Gillard Government is creating the environment in which small businesses not onlysurvive, they thrive, Minister for Small Business Brendan OConnor said.

Many small Australian businesses can see the potential of the Asian markets, but dontknow how to take advantage of the opportunities.

In the age of the Asian century, we want to work with them to ensure that all Australianshave the potential to benefit from the growing economies on our doorstep.

We appreciate that small businesses face special challenges competing internationallybecause of their size and limited access to finance, international contacts and knowledge ofinternational regulatory requirements.

This White Paper outlines the Gillard Governments commitment to providing well-targetedsupport, including offering practical in-market support and advice, creating the right operatingenvironment to help businesses secure finances and providing badge-of-governmentsupport for firms considering carrying out business in Asia, capturing the benefits of the

Asian century.

By working closely with business and industry groups we will ensure that policy settings areright, whilst we share the networks and business insights to help our small and medium-sizedenterprises compete in Asia.

The Gillard Government currently offers a range of programs to assist small businesses togrow and benefit from opportunities in the Asian region, including the Small BusinessSupport line, the Small Business Advisory Services program, the Buy Australian at Homeand Abroad initiative, Enterprise Connect and Commercialisation Australia.

In addition, more targeted support for exporting is provided by Austrade, Tourism Australia

and the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation, whose mandate will be revised to ensure


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more of its resources are devoted to addressing the market failures that impede Australiassmall and medium-sized exporters, especially in emerging and frontier markets.

These programs work to sustain and grow Australian small and medium-sized businessesthat aspire to greater success, within Australia and internationally.

Australian business has already shown an aptitude for developing innovative products forAsian markets, Mr OConnor said.

Australian businesses are in the right place at the right time to take advantage of the fastestgrowing region in the world, especially as the National Broadband Network opens up accessto online markets. Our small businesses need to be supported to ensure that they benefitfrom the opportunities on their doorstep, Mr OConnor said.

Media Adviser: Maria Hawthorne 0407 015 986


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MINISTER COMBETMINISTER BURKE

MINISTER FERGUSON

28 October 2012

A Resilient and Sustainable Austral ia in the Asian Century

Australias actions at home and our engagement with Asia is ensuring effectiveaction on climate change, sustainable management of our environmental assets andstronger food supply systems and energy markets.

In the Asian century, this engagement will become increasingly important toAustralias economic prosperity.

Ministers Greg Combet, Tony Burke and Martin Ferguson today welcomed theAustralia in the Asian Century White Paper.

The White Paper sets out a national objective to ensure that out to 2025, theAustralian economy and our environmental assets will be managed sustainably toensure the wellbeing of future generations of Australians.

The White Paper also highlights the important work already being undertaken byGovernment to tackle the challenges identified.

Australia is acting on climate change.

We are committed to a clean energy future supported by stable, sustainable andsecure markets and to reducing our emissions by at least five per cent comparedwith 2000 levels by 2020 and 80 per cent by 2050.

The Governments Clean Energy Future plan ensures we will meet these targets inthe most cost-effective and flexible way. The plan encourages investment in cleanenergy, supports jobs and competitiveness, enables our efforts to be linked withthose overseas, and supports economic growth while reducing pollution.

The Government has secured agreement to link Australia's domestic carbon market

with the European Union Emissions Trading System.

We are also working closely with our Asian neighboursincluding China, Indonesia,J apan and South Koreato build well-functioning and comprehensive carbonmarkets through active engagement in the Asia-Pacific Carbon Markets Roundtable.

Australia invests billions of dollars in cleaner energy sources, including renewableenergy. We are transforming the energy sector to move away from high pollutinggeneration and investing $1.2 billion through the Clean Technology Program to helpmanufacturers develop and adopt clean technologies and improve energy efficiency.

Australia is also storing carbon in the land through better land managementstrategies supported by the Carbon Farming Initiative.


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These national objectives support the Governments ambition for Australia to be in the top fiveschooling systems in the world, delivering excellent outcomes for all students regardless of theirbackground, Mr Garrett said.

The National Plan for School Improvement will make sure funding for schools is spent on thethings we know will work to lift student results.

This includes making sure schools are teaching students the skills they need to succeed in theAsian century. Building students knowledge and understanding of Asia is critical.

The Gillard Government will work with business and the community to encourage students to studyan Asian language and build their skills for the future.

The continued focus on Asia literacy and Asian languages in the Australian Curriculum builds onsignificant investments already being delivered by the Gillard Government including:

$62 million to increase the number of Australian students becoming proficient in languages

and understanding the culture of China, Indonesia, J apan and Korea under the NationalAsian Languages and Studies in Schools Program $41.2 million to support flexible delivery of language education including online materials for

teaching students in key areas including about Australias engagement with Asia

$22.8 million to promote the study of Asia across all curriculum areas in Australian schoolsthrough the Asia Education Foundation

Substantial investment in developing languages curriculums, with Chinese (Mandarin)being one of the first developed.

$27.2 million for the NBN Enabled Education and Skills Services Program, including theAsia ConneXions utilising HD videoconferencing project.

The White Paper is available at:http://asiancentury.dpmc.gov.au/

Ministers Media Contact: Kate Sullivan 0409 490 741DEEWR Media:[email protected]
http://asiancentury.dpmc.gov.au/http://asiancentury.dpmc.gov.au/http://asiancentury.dpmc.gov.au/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://asiancentury.dpmc.gov.au/


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SENATOR THE HON CHRIS EVANS

Leader of the Government in the SenateMinister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research

MEDIA RELEASE28 October 2012

Australian universities to be worlds best in the Asian century

Every Australian university will be encouraged to send students to universities in Asia toensure the next generation of Australian leaders are Asia-literate, Minister for TertiaryEducation Senator Chris Evans said today.

Australian universities already have close working relationships with partner institutions in theregion under theAustralia in the Asian Century White Paper these relationships will bestrengthened by the establishment of exchange arrangements with major Asian universities.

Students will be able to gain credits for the study they undertake in Asia.

The next generation of leaders will need to be Asia-literate and these are skills best learnt byfirst-hand experience, Senator Evans said.

In the past decade, there have been 1.9 million enrolments of students from Asia in Australian

education institutions.

"We want to support more Australian students to undertake part of their study in the Asianregion, not only to boost their direct understanding of Asia in the changing economy, but alsoto develop networks and friendships that will last a lifetime, Senator Evans said.

Our aim is that by 2025, a larger number of Australian university students will be studyingoverseas and a greater proportion will be undertaking part of their degree in an Asian country.

Thats why we will work with universities to substantially boost the number of Australianstudents studying in Asia.

Universities will be supported to increase the number of students who undertake Asian studiesand Asian languages as part of their university education, including through increased use ofthe National Broadband Network and digital technology.

The Gillard Government has set a national objective for Australian universities to remainamong the worlds best for research and teaching, delivering excellent outcomes for a largernumber of Australian students.

This means by 2025, we want to see 10 of Australias universities in the worlds top 100 - upfrom six currently in the top 100.

Skills and education is a core pillar of the plan for boosting productivity growth and incomescontained in the Gillard GovernmentsAustralia in the Asian Century White Paper.


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This will involve strengthening university and research ties in Asia, encouraging moreAustralian students to study abroad in the region and developing a training system that isamong the worlds best.

Senator Evans said young Australians will play a major role in improving communityunderstanding of Asia, building the capabilities of our workforce and enhancing people-to-people links.

Education is at the core of the Gillard Governments plan to create greater links with our Asianneighboursthrough universities, research, industry and business, Senator Evans said.

Tomorrows leaders need a greater understanding of the countries in the Asian region to meetthe challenges posed by the changing global economy.

Continuing to strengthen our ties through education, research and training will ensure weremain competitive in the Asian century.

Research and teaching links will also be encouraged between Australian institutions and thosein the region with support through the Australian Research Council.

Senator Evans said harmonising vocational training standards will help support a highly skilledAustralian workforce able to continuously develop its capabilities in the changing economy.

We will work with business and Australian industry partners through regional forums andbilaterally, to build in-country partnerships and to develop complementary skills andqualification assessment and recognition, Senator Evans said.

Expanding training services and strengthening networks between Industry Skills Councils,Australian industry and unions, and their Asian counterparts, will help also support Australianbusinesses and workers to have a greater presence in Asian markets.

Our efforts will ensure that Australia remains among the worlds best for research, teachingand training, and that we deliver excellent outcomes for a growing number of Australianstudents through stronger links within our region.

Senator Evans Media Contact: Rhys Davies 0411 138 572Amy McKenna 0408 570 603


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THE HON GARY GRAY AO MP

Minister for the Public Service and Integrity

MEDIA RELEASE

Public sector leadership in the Asian century

October 28 2012

The nations Asia-literate public sector will play a major leadership role in the Asiancentury, the Minister for the Public Service and Integrity Gary Gray said today.

By 2025, one-third of board members of Commonwealth bodies and one-third of thesenior leadership of the Australian Public Service (APS 200) will have deepexperience in and knowledge of Asia.

Mr Gray said the Australian Public Service would lead by example in meeting thechallenges and opportunities presented by the growth of Asian economies.

He said the Gillard GovernmentsAustralia in the Asian Century White Paperreleased today was a roadmap for the country to capitalise on strong economicgrowth in the region. This will require a whole-of-Public-Service leadership effort.

Both the public and private sectors have significant roles to play if Australia is tomake the most of the Asian century, Mr Gray said.

Like the top 200 companies, we will boost Asia-literacy on the boards of allCommonwealth bodies as well as among the senior executive leadership group.

A deeper understanding of the region means better integrated policy analysis,problem-solving and implementation across domestic and international matters.

Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Dr Ian Watt and theAustralian Public Service Commissioner Mr Stephen Sedgwick will develop astrategy to ensure the Government can build on existing capabilities to meet futureneeds.

In developing this capability strategy, the APS will aim to embed practices thatdeepen Asia relevant knowledge and expertise, Mr Gray said.

At the minister level, well build stronger relationships through more regular bilateraland regional engagement with our counterparts in Asia to pursue policy outcomes.


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The Australian Public Service and Australian institutions, including culturalinstitutions, will need to have deeper knowledge and expertise of countries in ourregion, and have greater capacity to integrate domestic and international issues.

The Australian Public Service and the corporate sector will need to work together tobuild on our skills and understanding of the region with more effective interaction atall levelspolitical, cultural, social and businessto improve policy developmentand implementation.

Media contact: J ohn Arthur 0408 991 261


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CHRIS BOWEN MPMINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP

MEDIA RELEASE

28 October 2012

ATTRACTING SKILLED MIGRANTS, TOURISTS AND

STUDENTS TO AUSTRALIA IN THE ASIAN CENTURY

Australia is set to capitalise on Asias highly skilled population to create an educated,productive work force to bolster our economy in the future, the Minister for Immigration andCitizenship, Chris Bowen, said today.

Even with the Government's unprecedented investment in tertiary education and up-skillingAustralians, we need migrants who bring their specialist skills to Australia, Chris Bowen said.

TheAustralia in the Asian CenturyWhite Paper highlights the exciting opportunities for

Australias growth as our neighbours further build trade and industrial strength.

Seven of the top 10 source countries in Australia's 2011-12 migration program are in theAsian region: India, China, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, South Korea and Vietnam.

The Indian sub-continent is Australias largest source region of migrants, providing23 per cent of the migration program, while 18.3 per cent of migrants come from the north ofAsia.

More than a quarter of our nations migrants were born in an Asian nation and nearly1.5 million Australians are fluent in one or more Asian languages, including Mandarin,

Cantonese, Vietnamese, Hindi, Punjabi, Indonesian, Korean, Tagalog and Japanese, ChrisBowen said.

This means that Australia is uniquely placed to strengthen ties with Asian nations.

Tourism from Asia injects billions of dollars into the economy every year and piloting newstreamlined visa processes will encourage more people from the region to consider Australiaas a destination of choice.

We are making it easier than ever for tourists from the Asian region to visit Australia andcontribute to our economic and cultural growth, Chris Bowen said.

We need to be able to take advantage of the expected increase in regional travel across Asiaand the subsequent emerging tourist markets.


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To facilitate this, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship is expanding its network ofservice and delivery partners to support online visa lodgement, multiple entry visas and longervisa validity periods.

Visitors from China are of particular focus and the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding tostrengthen tourism cooperation between our countries will support a growing travel market,

Chris Bowen said.

Students from abroad boost Australias economy by billions every year. In 2011, there weremore than 550,000 international student enrolments (77 per cent from within the Asianregion) in Australian education institutions.

We want to ensure that future leaders in the Asian region who are educated at our world-class institutions have positive experiences, fostering people-to-people links and supportingthe cultural ties that protect our nations interests in the region, Chris Bowen said.

Streamlining the student visa assessment process will make it easier for people who want tostudy here, while post-study work rights for bachelor degree and PhD graduates willencourage skilled people to contribute to Australias development.

The rise of Australias close neighbours has the potential to greatly benefit our nation overthe coming century, Chris Bowen said.

The Gillard Governments improvements to our migration systems and visa processes willmean that we are well prepared to welcome people from across Asia who will contribute toour economy and culture.

Media Contacts: Bill Kyriakopoulos 0400 510 802 / Laura Stevens 0432 833 769


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The Hon Simon Crean MPMinister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local GovernmentMinister for the Arts

Sunday, 28 October, 2012

REGIONAL AUSTRALIA TO DRIVE STRONGER LINKS WITH ASIA

Australias regions will drive stronger links with Asia to seize the economic opportunities that emergeduring the next century, Regional Development Minister Simon Crean said today.

Mr Crean said theAustralia in the Asian Century White Paper paves the way for regions to build on thesignificant progress made by the Federal Government in embedding localism across the country.

The Federal Government is partnering with state and local governments to deliver location-basedsolutions to ensure each part of regional Australia can get its slice of the action during the Asiancentury, Mr Crean said.

Many regions have already established a subnational approach to trade, with region-to-regionarrangements building on people-to-people contact.

A multiplicity of sister-city and sister-state links with Asia already exists across Australia, with over 100of these relationships with Japan and more than 80 with China.

The White Paper recognises the opportunity to take what weve established and maximise thebenefits.

We will continue to support stronger relationships between state and local government and their

regional counterparts.

The localism approach has been agreed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and isreflected in the White Paper, which recognises that regions must diversify their economic base tomaintain their competitive edge.

Every region in Australia is looking at the opportunities opening up in Asiafrom right across northernAustralia, down to Tasmania and through the Upper Spencer Gulf.

Across northern Australia, economic growth will underpin the expansion of Darwin, Kununurra andnorth Queensland as regional hubs and gateways for trade with Asian nations.


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The Northern Australia Ministerial Forum, which I chair, will also continue to support other strategicgrowth hubs in northern Queensland and Western Australia.

Mr Crean said the challenge for regions was to turn their comparative advantages into a competitiveglobal edge.

The Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) has already invested $350 million in 81 partnershipprojects with a leveraged value of $1.2 billion, he said.

Last week I announced the opening of RDAF rounds three and four, committing another $225 millionto leveraged projects that deliver a strong regional reachincluding $50 million specifically targeted atsmall towns with a population of 30,000 or less.

RDAF will continue to drive a cultural change in regional funding by focusing on priorities ofpersistence and projects that stack-up, partnership and leverage, and regional reach.

Media contact: Glen Atwell 0403 949 599


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THE HON DR CRAIG EMERSON MP

MINISTER FOR TRADE AND COMPETITIVENESSMEDIA RELEASE

Asian Century grants scheme to fund business development

Trade and Competitiveness Minister Craig Emerson today announced a

$6 million grants scheme to boost business organisations links into Asia.

The Asian Century Business Engagement Plan is one of numerous initiativesin the Governments White Paper on Australia in the Asian Century, releasedtoday.

Under the Engagement Plan, grants will be allocated over four years tobusiness organisations for projects that assist Australian companies to sellinto Asias growing middle class markets and to participate in regional valuechains.

The organisation of business missions and trade fairs, for example, wouldqualify for assistance.

Austrade will administer the program and provide support through its Asiannetwork of offices.

Many small and medium-sized businesses in Australia find it difficult to takeadvantage of the immense opportunities opening up in the region, DrEmerson said.

Business organisations such as chambers of commerce are adept at helping

companies identify new customers in Asia, and in building long-termrelationships.

The Australian chambers of commerce located in Asian business hubs andother business associations here in Australia already have strong profiles andextensive networks in Asia, he said.

By providing extra support for the work of these business organisations, theGovernment will help to build the personal relationships so vital to doingbusiness in Asia.

Governments can help create the conditions for business relationships, butultimately success depends on the businesses themselves, Dr Emerson said.


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Australia to pursue free trade area of the Asia-Pacific

The Gillard Government will position Australia as a connecting rod betweenLatin America and Asia in pursuit of a free trade area of the Asia-Pacific.

Australia has been in talks with Mexico, Colombia, Peru and Chile about thepossibility of a trade deal with these countries of the Pacific Alliance, as it isknown, that could extend to other countries in the Asian region.

Trade and Competitiveness Minister Craig Emerson said Australia would seekobserver status in the ongoing trade negotiations involving the four Pacific-facing nations of Latin America.

These nations are like-minded with Australia as open traders and are

interested in Australia connecting them to dynamic Asian economies throughour familiarity with countries of the region, Dr Emerson said.

Australia will also continue negotiations for a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)agreement involving 11 Asia-Pacific countries. Mexico, Chile and Peru arealso part of these negotiations.

And the Government will participate in the November 2012 launch of aRegional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) involving the ASEANcountries, China, J apan, South Korea, India, New Zealand and Australia.

Australia already has a high-quality free trade agreement with ASEAN andNew Zealand.

The Government sees these various negotiations as pathways to the vision ofthe Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum of a Free Trade Area ofthe Asia-Pacific (FTAAP).

Negotiations in each of these forums can add momentum to the others in aprocess of competitive liberalisation, Dr Emerson said.

The White Paper sets a goal for Australia to increase the value of its trade

links with Asia, from one-quarter of GDP in 2011 to at least one-third by 2025.


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The Government will continue with its bilateral negotiations with China, J apan,South Korea, Indonesia and India.

It will also continue to play a leading role in the global trade talks under theauspices of the World Trade Organization in Geneva as members pursue the

new pathways approach advocated by Australia for completing the DohaDevelopment Round.

Media Contact: Mark Mull igan - 0413250632


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Australia to devote more trade and investment

resources to Asia

Australia is rising to the Asian Century challenge by devoting more of itsdiplomatic and commercial resources to the region, Trade andCompetitiveness Minister Craig Emerson said today.

Austrade, the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation, the Export MarketDevelopment Grants scheme and Australias diplomatic efforts will all beconcentrated more heavily on Asia following the release of the White Paperon Australia in the Asian Century.

Dr Emerson said the rise of the Asian middle class offered unprecedentedopportunities for manufacturers, farmers, miners and service providers.

The shift in the global centre of economic activity to Asia presents a once-in-lifetime opportunity for Australian businesses to tap into immense newmarkets, Dr Emerson said.

As growth in countries such as China, India and Indonesia moves to greaterreliance on domestic consumption, increasingly affluent consumers willdemand the high-quality food, manufactured goods and services that Australiaprovides so well.

To make the most of these opportunities, the Gillard Government is deploying

more of the countrys talent and resources into Asia.

The Export Finance and Insurance Corporations new mandate will ensuremore of its resources are directed to addressing market failures that impedesmall and medium-sized exporters in emerging and frontier markets such asChina, Indonesia, India, Mongolia and Kazakhstan.

This builds on the Governments reforms to Austrade that increased the levelof its overseas representation in Asias emerging and frontier markets.


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Recalibrations to the Export Market Development Grants scheme will allowgrant recipients to make eight claims for promotional costs in Asia, up fromthe existing seven claims.

The Australian Government will appoint a dedicated Ambassador to ASEAN,

to be based in J akarta, to strengthen Australias ties with 10 ASEANneighbours.

The Government recently announced a new consulate in Chengdu, westernChina.

As resources allow, new posts will also be opened in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia;Phuket, Thailand; and in eastern Indonesia. Austrade already has an office inUlaanbaatar and in Shenyang, western China.

And the appointment of a Resource and Energy Counsellor in Beijing will

assist Australian companies to capitalise on Chinas demand for minerals andenergy resources.

Personal relationships, good information and sound advice are alwaysimportant to doing business, Dr Emerson said.

In many Asian societies, they are essential.

Thats why we are making such an effort to get more people and support onthe ground across the region.


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S e n a t o r t h e H o n . J o e L u d w i g

M i n i s t e r f o r A g r i c u l t u r e , F i s h e r i e s a n d F o r e s t r yS e n a t o r f o r Q u e e n s l a n d

M E D I A R E L E A S E

Media contact: Melissa Patch 0418 734 413 or Katana Smith 0459 813 574

Agriculture key to Australias role in the Asian century

Primary producers, agricultural businesses and regional communities will be big winners as Australiapositions itself as a leading food and fibre supplier to the growing Asian marketplace in the Asian century.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator J oe Ludwig, said theAustralia in the Asian CenturyWhite Paper will strengthen our producers and processors global reputations as competitive, innovative andsustainable suppliers of high-quality food and agricultural products to Asia.

Australia will also play its part in ensuring food security in the region.

The increasing demand among Asias middle class for high-quality food and agricultural products presentssignificant opportunities for Australias primary industries, Minister Ludwig said.

Between now and 2025 the Australian Government will put a series of grass roots programs, plans andpolicies into action to position our agriculture sector for the opportunities presented by our Asian neighbours.Much of this work has already begun.

Minister Ludwig said Australias first National Food Plan would drive the changes necessary to support ourfood value chain domestically and capitalise on the growing potential for food producers and processorsinternationally.

The Food Plan will focus on our food system from paddock to plate. That means ensuring consumers herehave access to nutritious and affordable food, and that our food sector can make the most of the growingdemand from consumers globally, Minister Ludwig said.

The Governments new Rural Research and Development Strategy complements this work by boosting the

productivity and sustainability of our primary industries through an ongoing commitment to R&D andincreased collaboration, science and innovation.

Ongoing reforms to Australias world class biosecurity system will also allow for more efficient movement ofpeople and goods across our borders while maintaining the protections we need. This includes adopting arisk-based approach that manages threats effectively, while reducing impediments to legitimate trade andtravel.

The next steps to be taken by Government will focus on increasing participation in Asias markets andproviding services to assist food and agricultural exporters.

The Government will support two-way investment with the Asian region in food and food processing,agriculture-related transport infrastructure, natural resource management and water conservation to helpdrive the development of Australias regional and remote areas, especially in Northern Australia and

Tasmania.

The White Paper looks to ensure our producers and processors can grow their businesses sustainably bymaking efficient use of our soil, water and energy, Minister Ludwig said.

We will also support primary producers by improving market access and promoting free trade through tradenegotiations, existing inter-governmental agreements, government-to-government relationships and ouroverseas networks.

TheAustralia in the Asian Century White Paper has a vision for Australias food production systems to beglobally competitive, with productive and sustainable agriculture and food businesses.

The release of the White Paper showcases the opportunities for Australia to benefit from the Asian century,Minister Ludwig said.

We will continue to work closely with key agricultural stakeholders to realise Australias vision for agricultureand food in the Asian century.

28 October 2012


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Stephen Smith MPMinister for Defence

Mr Smiths Office: Andrew Porter (02) 6277 7800 or 0419 474 392

M E D I A R E L E A S E

28 October 2012

DEFENCE AND SECURITY IN THE ASIAN CENTURY

TheAustralia in the Asian CenturyWhite Paper emphasises that the ongoing prosperity of Australia

is irrevocably tied to the sustainable security of our diverse region.

TheAustralia in the Asian CenturyWhite Paper outlines a long-term strategy to position Australia to

benefit from the opportunities of the Asian century, while managing future challenges.

It outlines the Governments national objectives and pathways to building sustainable security in

our region, including:

maintaining a comprehensive approach to security, including through the release of a newDefence White Paper in the first half of 2013;

promoting cooperative arrangements among major powers in the region includingpromoting the development of the expanded East Asia Summit as a crucial regional

institution;

working with the United States to ensure it continues to have a strong and consistentpresence in the region, including through enhanced practical cooperation between

Australia and the United States (US);

supporting Chinas full participation in the regions strategic, political and economicdevelopment;

Maintain Australia's strong support for global, regional and bilateral security frameworksand norms based on the United Nations Charter, including through our membership of

the UN Security Council; and

pursuing practical cooperation and building local capability with regional partners across arange of issues such as terrorism, people smuggling, transnational crime, counter-

proliferation and disaster management.


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MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Senator the Hon. Bob Carr

28 October 2012

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR REGIONAL PARTNERS

Foreign Minister Bob Carr today welcomed the release of theAustralia in the Asian

Century White Paper as a clear demonstration of the Gillard Governments

commitment to strengthen Australian engagement with the region.

This is a critical moment in Australias engagement with Asia, Senator Carr said.

The White Paper delivers a roadmap for promoting Australian interests and

engagement with our regional partners.

To achieve this, the White Paper includes the following initiatives:

The appointment of a dedicated J akarta-based Ambassador to ASEAN; and Planning for an Australian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) and

consulates in Shenyang (China), Phuket (Thailand) and eastern Indonesia.

A resident Ambassador to ASEAN enhances Australias ability to work with ASEAN

on priority regional political and economic issues, Senator Carr said.

Strengthening our diplomatic network in other parts of Asia is also vital to Australias

long-term security and prosperity.

Senator Carr said Australia would also develop comprehensive country strategies in

consultation with the community, setting out objectives and priorities for Australias

relationships, with a focus on China, India, Indonesia, J apan and the Republic of

Korea (South Korea).

We need to continue to build our engagement with major countries in Asia through

regular meetings with government and business leaders, and in the exchange of

people and ideas.

Senator Carr said education was central to the Governments strategy to strengthen

links between Australians and the region.


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2

Over the next five years, 12,000 Australia Awards (Asian Century) will be provided

to undertake inward and outward study or professional development between

Australia and nations in Asia, he said.

Senator Carr said the Government would expand work and holiday programs with

countries in Asia, starting by adding 1,000 places in the Work and Holiday Visa

program with Indonesia.

Ministers Office: 0435 658 623


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The Hon Simon Crean MP

Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local GovernmentMinister for the Arts

Sunday, 28 October, 2012

CULTURAL DIPLOMACY A VITAL UNDERPINNING FOR ASIAN CENTURY

Arts Minister Simon Crean says theAustralia in the Asian Century White Paper sets a clear objectivefor cultural diplomacy and exchange to drive a stronger, deeper and broader engagement with Asiannations.

Mr Crean said cultural diplomacy is vital to Australias engagement across the region to build trust,understanding and confidence in our cultural, political, security and economic relationships.

As home to the worlds oldest living culture and welcoming to the greatest diversity of cultures,Australia has unique cultural strengths that underpin values of respect, understanding and inclusion this is crucial in Asia, which is a region deeply respectful of culture and respect for others, he said.

The Federal Government will work with arts and media organisations to better coordinate theirengagement with Asia. Broadcasters ABC and SBS will grow their roles in sharing news and content,and our national collecting institutions with take a more strategic approach in connecting with Asia.

The Australian International Cultural Council, our key cultural diplomacy body which I chair alongsideForeign Affairs Minister Bob Carr, will also be revamped with a new strategic focus.

We will improve government activities that support our artists succeeding in Asia including through theAustralia Council and Screen Australia, to explore more points of contact and collaboration.

Mr Crean said Australian arts and culture are already heavily engaged with Asian countries.

Through the international program OzFest, which is currently being staged in India, Australias creativeindustries are forming part of a whole-of-government advocacy and public diplomacy strategy, he said.

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is touring six cities in China to an enthusiastic response which theyare documenting through a live blog.

Bangarra Dance Theatre regularly tours Asia while the exhibition in Japan of Indigenous painter EmilyKame Kngwarreye curated by the National Museum of Australia are further examples of Australian artssuccess in Asia.


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In Australia locally curated events like Adelaide Festival Centres OzAsia Festival, Broomes Festival ofthe Pearl and Destination NSWs Parramasala Festival are showcasing arts and culture from across theAsian region, while the National Portrait Gallerys contemporary Asian self-portrait exhibition will tourregions and capital cities.

We have laid a solid foundation but more can be done a strengthen business, political and traderelationships. Arts and culture are the essence of identity and how we understand each otherpeople-to-people.

Mr Crean will visit China later this year to sign the 2012-14 Australia-China cultural implementation planas part of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

I also travel to India next month with a program of both business and diplomatic meetings whichincludes OzFest, which in line with the White Paper, provides a focus for cultural diplomacy to build adeeper and stronger relationship with that country, he said.

Media contact: Glen Atwell 0403 949 599


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Media releaseSenator Kate LundyMinister for Sport, Minister for Multicultural Affairs,

Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation

28 October 2012

Sport a powerful unif ier in the Asian Century

TheAustralia in the Asian Century White Paper highlights the huge potential to use sport tostrengthen Australias connections in Asia, Minister for Sport Senator Kate Lundy, saidtoday.

The release of the White Paper confirms the power of sport to bridge language and culturalbarriers and serve as a platform to build relationships, Senator Lundy said.

The White Paper focuses on positioning Australia to maximise the benefits of the globaleconomic and strategic shift to Asia, Senator Lundy said.

Already we see Australian sports taking advantage of the burgeoning Asian marketincluding Tennis Australia through the Trophy Tour and the inclusion of Football FederationAustralia in the Asian Championship.

In this context, there is potential to use sport strategically to leverage a range of benefitsthrough better social, cultural and economic and trade relationships.

Senator Lundy said Australia shared a passion for sport with Asia and this would only be

enhanced with the upcoming Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup and InternationalCricket Council Cricket World Cup in 2015.

The 2015 Asian Cup and Cricket World Cup are expected to draw a global audience ofmore than 1 billion people respectively and provide an unprecedented opportunity toshowcase Australia in Asia, Senator Lundy said.

These key events will provide significant business and trade opportunities for Australia. Witha strong link between sport and industry in Asia, Australian business has the uniqueopportunity to make strong connections through sport and open doors to new markets.

Tourism, transport, construction, food production, creative industries and many other

sections of the Australian economy stand to benefit from growing our sporting engagementwith Asia and Im confident this engagement will drive a new wave of growth, employmentand prosperity in the Asian century.

Media contact: J essica Hill on 0407 926 077

australia in the asian century media release

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