As part of the Albanese Government’s efforts to deepen Australia’s economic engagement with our region, the Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Trade and Tourism today announce Mr Nicholas Moore as Special Envoy for Southeast Asia.
Mr Moore has a strong record of achievement in the business and financial sectors in Australia and Southeast Asia. Mr Moore was CEO of Macquarie Group for ten years and is current Chair of the Financial Regulator Assessment Authority. He is also a member (and former Chair) of the University of New South Wales’ Business School Advisory Council.
The skills and experience Mr Moore brings will be invaluable as he leads the Government’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.
The strategy will set out a pathway to strengthen Australia’s economic engagement with Southeast Asia, map current and emerging trade and investment opportunities and provide a practical roadmap to bolster two-way trade and grow Australian investment.
Mr Moore will lead consultations with business and other stakeholders in both Australia and Southeast Asia over the coming months to inform the strategy. Public submissions are also invited by 30 January 2023.
For more information, visit the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy page on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese:
“Deepening engagement with Southeast Asia is a key priority for my Government and a priority for the discussions I am having today in Cambodia at the Australia-ASEAN Summit with all our Southeast Asian partners.
We want to maximise the significant trade, investment and other economic opportunities for Australia and our region, and enhance our people-to-people ties.
“I thank Mr Moore for agreeing to this important appointment and am confident his vast experience will amplify our existing two-way commercial engagement and champion new trade and investment opportunities with Southeast Asia.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong MP:
“The appointment of the Special Envoy for Southeast Asia is a clear signal of the priority Australia places on expanding our economic relationship with the region.
“Bolstering our trade and investment ties is central to the Government’s commitment to strengthen the connections and partnerships between Australia and our region, and advance our shared interests in a secure, prosperous and stable region.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell:
“Trade diversification is key to Australia’s future prosperity and economic security.”
“I look forward to working with Mr Moore to revitalise our trade and investment ties with our Southeast Asian partners.”