- Australia unveils A$20 billion investment pipeline across Southeast Asia.
- New funds target farming, energy, and infrastructure projects in the region.
- Canberra boosts regional ties through capital investments and streamlined trade access.
Australia has recognized a A$20 billion investment opportunity throughout Southeast Asia as Canberra transitions into a new stage of its regional economic collaboration. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the enhanced commitment resulted from significant progress made last year, with bilateral trade nearing A$6 billion.
"It's been driven by our deal teams identifying potential projects across the region. This means that Australia is making new investments in farming in Laos, energy in Thailand, infrastructure in Vietnam, and Toll (Group's) transport and logistics across Southeast Asia.
"From our government's point of view, this is just the beginning. There is a A$20 billion pipeline of projects where we see value for Australian capital and financing," Albanese remarked during his speech at the Asean-Indo Pacific Forum 2025 (AIPF) held here yesterday.
To expedite this advancement, Albanese revealed fresh capital investments, consisting of A$175 million for the IFM Investors Asia Fund, a step that will unlock Southeast Asian markets for 15 Australian superannuation funds.
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"We will also invest US$50 million to establish a new platform led by Plenary Group, an Australian specialist in public-private partnership infrastructure projects. This platform is expected to support much-needed infrastructure projects and deliver nation-building projects in Southeast Asia," he added.
Albanese mentioned that Australia has also streamlined business visas, increased flexibility for regular travellers, and created a single access point to ease foreign investment procedures in the nation
"This is progress that we measure in acts of practical partnership where economic cooperation creates jobs, improves wages and enhances opportunities. With deeper economic engagement, it brings increased understanding and strengthens peace and security for Southeast Asia. That is why Australia is very proud to be invested in Southeast Asia," he said.