ASEAN - Australia

ASEAN's cooperation with Australia has expanded significantly from cooperation in trade to development cooperation in such areas as technology transfer and technical assistance since the establishment of the ASEAN-Australia Dialogue in 1974. Phase II of the ASEAN-Australia Economic Cooperation Programme (AAECP Phase II), which covers a period of 5 years from 1989-1994, concentrates on projects in the field of science and technology, food and agriculture, and trade and investment promotion.

2 Recognising that ASEAN-Australia relationship has matured over the years given the rapid economic growth of most ASEAN member countries, the 14th ASEAN-Australia Forum agreed that future collaboration and cooperation could be based more on mutual benefit and equal partnership. New areas of cooperation on the environment, telecommunication, education and science and technology were also discussed at special workshops held during the Forum. The private sectors of both sides also showed positive response to the call to play a greater role in enhancing the dialogue relationship.

3 On the cooperation on education, the Australian Fact-finding Mission completed consultations with each of ASEAN country during 9-28 July 1991 on the feasibility of the three proposed projects, namely regional languages training, targeted institutional links and recognition of skills and qualifications. Australia has submitted the draft Report of the Fact-finding Mission to ASEAN Member countries for their consideration.

4 The Australian Department of Employment, Education and Training also proposed to hold a regional mapping exercise for English language training to meet Workforce needs in mid-1992 in Australia with a view to strengthening the foundations of ASEAN-Australia cooperation. This exercise would also involve examination of regional resources and policies in workforce English language training in the region.

5 ASEAN attaches great importance to the promotion of greater trade and investment links with Australia. In the context of developing a mutually beneficial relationship, ASEAN and Australia continued to make efforts to expand trade and investment ties. ASEAN and Australia continued to work towards the elimination of barriers to trade in order to forge a closer partnership.

6 ASEAN member countries faced the most number of anti-dumping actions in Australia than in any other developed country. The export of automotive lead-acid storage batteries and low-density polyethylene to Australia were found to have been dumped. In this regard, Australia informed that a Business Liaison unit within the Australian Custom Service to deter frivolous anti-dumping complaints became operational in mid- February 1992.

7 Following the decision of the Third Meeting of the AAECP Joint Planning Committee, held in Singapore, 10-11 April 1991, a Joint Review Team comprising three ASEAN members and three Australians conducted the Mid-term Review of AAECP Phase II. The Review Team visited ASEAN member countries from 8 February to 7 March 1992.

For more information, please refer to the project details