Invest and Trade Western Australia’s Post

"This shift toward the Middle East can be partly attributed to #China’s flourishing partnerships with the #Arab states of the Gulf. With their abundant energy resources, political stability, and receptive stance toward China and Chinese businesses, these countries have emerged as Beijing’s preferred economic partners in the wider #Mediterranean region. Conversely, Beijing is seemingly pulling back from much of North Africa and the Horn of Africa, regions increasingly beset by conflicts and instability, while the European Union is becoming less receptive toward China, both politically and economically." Leonardo Bruni (T.wai) gives an overview of #ChinaMed's updated dataset on China's commercial, security and trade influence across the Middle East, North Africa and Southern Europe: https://lnkd.in/dnyCswmy

🌏💡 AustCham ASEAN is excited to reshare a pivotal article from the Lowy Institute by esteemed author Greg Earl. This insightful piece delves into the strategic shift of Australian economic diplomacy towards Southeast Asia, emphasizing the importance of understanding and investing in this dynamically growing region. 📈🤝 Greg Earl, with his rich background in Asia-Pacific journalism and advisory roles, brings to light the evolution of Australia's engagement with ASEAN. The article explores the challenges and opportunities for Australian businesses in Southeast Asia, highlighting the new $2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility (SAIIF) aimed at enhancing Australia's economic footprint in the region. 🏦🌍 This piece is a must-read for those looking to comprehend the intricacies of Australia's renewed focus on ASEAN, underlined by historical efforts and the strategic direction set by the Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 report. Earl's analysis provides valuable context for AustCham ASEAN members and Australian businesses contemplating expansion in the ASEAN market. 📚🔍 #AustChamASEAN #EconomicDiplomacy #AustraliaASEAN #InvestInASEAN #LowyInstitute

𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 (𝐁𝐑𝐈) 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚: As the BRI enters its second decade, China’s strategy appears to be shifting, with a focus on fostering stronger ties with African nations. A prime example is the strategic alliance with Ethiopian Airlines, which is not only boosting trade and investment but also enhancing bilateral cooperation. This article by Manon Bertrand for CGO delves into the implications of these developments and what they could mean for the future of Africa-China relations. #BeltandRoadInitiative #ChinaAfricaRelations #EthiopianAirlines #TradeAndInvestment #GlobalTrade #InfrastructureDevelopment #EmergingMarkets #SustainableGrowth #EconomicPartnerships #InternationalRelations #InvestInAfrica #NewSilkRoad #DebtTrapDiplomacy #PostCovidEra #CGO #Africa

Australian government efforts to promote more business involvement in Asia go back to at least the 1930s with the then Commonwealth Advisory Committee on Eastern Trade; the pan-Asian Eastern Mission by External Affairs minister John Latham; and the intrepid "goodwill ship" tour of the Netherlands East Indies. So last week's ASEAN Summit initiative to create a $2 billion Southeast Asian investment finance facility is standing on deep foundations - even if they are forgotten by the passing parade of politicians rediscovering Asia. My Lowy Institute column looks at the more recent efforts and why things might be different this time. AustCham ASEAN Export Finance Australia ASEAN Strategic

https://lnkd.in/dFGZPkcq Japan has been and will be one of the most important business partner for Africa. However, I think that African can attract more finance if they understand how Japanese companies view the risk&return balance in African region. It has to be admitted that there might be more perceived risk than actual risk and more cosideration is needed on how to de-risk the projects to get rid of perceived risks for Japanese investors.

The geopolitics of....#taylorswift ! This caught my attention earlier today and found it an interesting example of #cultural and #social #trends colliding with #geopolitical ones. An unlikely hot topic for the #asean summit taking place this week in Australia was...Taylor Swift. Government officials from Thailand, the Philippines and Hong Kong were critical of the Singaporean government's exclusive deal with Taylor Swift, that made the country the only SE Asia stop of her Eras tour. It's been called a hostile move. Beyond this, examining the statements that are emerging from the Australia-hosted summit, and this year's dialogue partner, is also insightful. It highlights potential #business opportunities in infrastructure-related sectors, as Australia launches a $2bn fund to turbocharge trade with the ASEAN region. The #transport, #cleanenergy and #telecoms sectors are particularly likely to benefit. Conclusions? 🎤 Striking a balance between economic collaboration and competition is even more challenging in a tough economic environment. 🎤 Cultural diplomacy and soft power have a bigger role to play in today's fragmented world. 🎤 The economic power of events is expanding beyond that of major sporting competitions to entertainment and cultural ones. Link to the relevant FT article in the comments.

This week marks a significant stride in diplomatic and economic landscapes, with new ambassadorial appointments from the U.S. and China. Insights from East-West Weekly Digest: Diplomatic Engagements: The appointments of H.E. Robert William Forden and Wang Wenbin introduce new dynamics to regional diplomacy, signaling opportunities for enhanced international collaborations. Economic Advances: The surge in international trade to $26.09 billion in the first half of 2024, a 12.7% increase, underscores a robust economic expansion within the region. Energy Initiatives: Offshore gas production in Southeast Asia is poised to unlock a $100 billion potential, driven by a flurry of planned final investment decisions (FIDs) expected to materialize by 2028, according to Rystad Energy’s latest analysis. Investment Opportunities: Prime Minister Hun Manet invited French investors at the France-Cambodia Business Forum to explore Cambodia's opportunities, highlighting strong bilateral ties for strategic growth. Regional News: Malaysia and Singapore are nearing an agreement to establish Southeast Asia’s first cross-border special economic zone, aiming to boost investment and facilitate the free movement of goods and people. Stay informed with these timely updates. [https://lnkd.in/gkzrrVdV] P.S. What French businesses are you familiar with in Cambodia? Share in the comments! #Diplomacy #EconomicGrowth #EnergySector #InvestmentOpportunities #EastWestWeekly

Cordial ties between Russia and C.Asian states is like thinking of good E.U-Russia ties and both are crucial for BOP and Peace in the region as there had been no war between Ukraine and Russia if there was no outside interference in Ukraine's affairs . No South state should allow itself to be used as the cat's pawn against Russia or its foes and we need to build a new World Order based on multipolarity and (may I say non alignment ( as since the Ukraine Russia War Russia is increasingly seen as a foe by the West rather than a Eurasian power which can have good relations with E.U and even the U.S . Its good to see GCC states / the Arab World warm up with C.Asian states but to help Corporations getting inroads into C.Asian riches disturbing regional balance of power would only lead to new conflicts / armed conflicts and would increase Pak's vulnerability to extra regional powers too . Although the concept of 'neutral ' states is withering with Sweden and Finland's membership of NATO , it must be revived ..perhaps starting with C.Asian states !!