Australia identifies AUD20 billion investment opportunities across ASEAN, with new capital commitments for infrastructure and business facilitation.
KUALA LUMPUR: Australia has identified an AUD20 billion investment pipeline across Southeast Asia as Canberra strengthens its regional economic cooperation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia aims to be active participants and engaged partners in the region’s growth rather than remaining on the threshold of Southeast Asia’s economic transformation.
He attributed this strengthened commitment to solid progress achieved last year, with two-way trade reaching a record high and increasing by nearly AUD6 billion.
Australian investment in Southeast Asia also rose by approximately AUD2 billion during the same period.
“It’s been driven by our deal teams identifying potential projects across the region,” Albanese said in his special address at the ASEAN-Indo Pacific Forum 2025.
“This combination 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.”
The prime minister emphasised that from the government’s perspective, this represents just the beginning of Australia’s engagement.
“There is an AUD20 billion pipeline of projects where we see value for Australian capital and financing,” he added.
To accelerate progress, Albanese announced new capital commitments including AUD175 million into the IFM Investors Asia Fund.
This move will open Southeast Asian markets for 15 Australian superannuation funds.
Australia will also invest USD50 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 initiatives across Southeast Asia.
As part of strengthening business facilitation, Australia has streamlined business visas and enhanced flexibility for frequent travellers.
The country has also introduced a single front door to simplify foreign investment processes.
“This is progress that we measure in acts of practical partnership where economic cooperation creates jobs, improves wages, and enhances opportunities,” Albanese said.
With deeper economic engagement comes increased understanding and strengthened peace and security for Southeast Asia.
“That is why Australia is very proud to be invested in Southeast Asia,” he concluded. – Bernama
