Public consultations on Asian Century country strategies

Australia’s position in the Asia-Pacific region, in what has been dubbed the Asian Century, means biotechnology is poised in the right industry in the right region.

Over the past few years, Asia and the subcontinent have been investing billions of dollars into biotechnology. The opportunities for Australian companies in Asia are real and imminent and the match between Asia and Australia is compelling. While our market and economy are relatively small in comparison, our achievements, talent and efficient way of doing business makes our companies attractive to foreign investors and partners.

There are also opportunities in exporting and collaborative research in agricultural technologies: to increase yields, reduce water use and lessen environmental degradation. These technologies will improve food security within the Asian region and also improve the sustainability of Australia’s agricultural practices as production expands to meet growing demand.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is currently seeking public submissions and comments on individual country strategies for Japan, China, Indonesia, India and South Korea. Many individuals and organisations have already provided input on developing relations with these countries through the Asian Century White Paper consultation process last year. DFAT will continue to draw on this material in developing the country strategies.

In developing the country strategies, DFAT is seeking responses on the following questions:

• What are your priorities and objectives in these countries?
• What opportunities are there to deepen our engagement across the board, including through people-to-people, economic and political/strategic links?
• How is the pace and shape of political, economic and social change in these countries affecting your engagement?
• How can Australia support stronger social and cultural links with these countries; for example, through networks of Australians living in these countries or through communities in Australia?
• What more can Australia do to connect productively in trade and investment, innovation, research and development?
• Are there lessons Australia can learn from our past experience in developing relations with these countries?
• What are the key barriers, challenges and risks in progressing relations with these countries?
• How can we assess the effectiveness of Australia’s efforts to deepen and strengthen relations with these countries?

AusBiotech will be preparing a response to the consultation and welcomes feedback from members in helping formulate this response. Please forward any comments by 24 May 2013 to Alina Tooley, National Manager Programs at atooley@ausbiotech.org.

DFAT will also be conducting the following public consultations:

• Western Australia: 6 May
• South Australia: 8 May
• Victoria: 9 May
• New South Wales: 14 May
• Queensland: 16 May

For more information or to register for the public consultations, visit http://www.dfat.gov.au/issues/asian-century/consultations.html.