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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

    Southeast Asia: Emerging growth market

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    The rapid economic growth of the Southeast Asian region presents significant long-term trade and investment opportunities for South Australia.

    Meet Natalya Twohill, Regional Director Southeast Asia

    Why Southeast Asia?

    • Southeast Asia will be the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2040, after the United States, China and India
    • By 2040, the region will be an economic powerhouse fuelled by favourable demographics, industrialisation, urbanisation and technological advances
    • A rapidly expanding middle-class will drive increased demand for premium food, wine and consumer products, as well as education and tourism services
    • The region’s digital economy will be valued at US$1 trillion by 2032, presenting growth opportunities across critical and enabling technologies
    • The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) improve and streamline market access
    • Focus on Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines to maximise commercial opportunities and support diplomatic links.

    Market strategies

    The Southeast Asian region presents diverse opportunities that span South Australia’s industry strengths. By working across government and with industry and business, we will prepare the state to respond to arising demands.

    We will leverage preferential market access afforded through Australia’s network of bilateral and regional free trade agreements in these markets.

    Through both regional and bilateral business development programs, we will promote South Australia as preferred partner in food and agribusiness, wine, critical and emerging technologies and education.

    We will also partner with the Australian Government on programs and activities under the Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

    Activity

    • Annual Ministerial business missions to priority Southeast Asia markets
    • South Australia Club International Singapore to strengthen strategic relationships with key regional investors
    • Support for South Australian business participation in Australian Government Australia-Southeast Asia Business Exchange trade missions
    • Support for South Australian technology exporters through Australian Government innovation Landing Pads in Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam
    • Support for South Australian education institutions to promote their offering through in-bound familiarisation tours and marketing programs.

    Contact our global office

    Connect with our Singapore and Kuala Lumpur offices