JAKARTA – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic ties with South Australia following a meeting between ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn and South Australia’s Minister for Trade and Investment, Joe Szakacs MP. The meeting took place at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta.
Both sides recalled their earlier engagement in Adelaide during the Australia-ASEAN Business Forum 2025, where Dr. Kao participated in discussions on regional economic cooperation.
Building on that momentum, the Jakarta meeting focused on expanding collaboration in priority sectors including energy, the blue economy, digital economy, trade and investment, and aviation connectivity.
Dr. Kao emphasised ASEAN’s interest in fostering partnerships that support sustainable growth and innovation.
He noted that South Australia’s strengths in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies align closely with ASEAN’s regional development goals.
Minister Szakacs highlighted South Australia’s commitment to deepening engagement with ASEAN, recognising the bloc as a critical partner in trade and investment.
He underscored the importance of aviation connectivity in facilitating business exchanges and tourism, while also pointing to opportunities in the blue economy, particularly in sustainable fisheries and marine innovation.
The meeting reflects ASEAN’s broader strategy of diversifying external partnerships and strengthening ties with Australia at both national and state levels.
South Australia, with its dynamic trade portfolio and focus on innovation, is seen as a valuable partner in advancing ASEAN’s economic agenda.
Observers note that the dialogue comes at a time when ASEAN is intensifying efforts to boost regional integration and resilience in the face of global economic uncertainties.
Enhanced cooperation with South Australia is expected to open new pathways for investment, technology transfer, and people-to-people exchanges.
The engagement also underscores the growing importance of subnational diplomacy, where states and provinces play a direct role in shaping international economic relations.
For ASEAN, such partnerships complement its existing ties with the Australian federal government, reinforcing the depth and diversity of ASEAN–Australia relations.
Sources: ASEAN Secretariat News, Government of South Australia
