Chairmen's message
Welcome to the Asialink and Asia Society 2010 National Forum: “Mapping our future in the Asian Century”. This gathering of many of the most prominent leaders in Australia’s engagement with Asia is a rare opportunity to consider our progress, and identify ways forward. We are delighted with the wealth of experience and knowledge being brought to bear on this central issue of our time.
Australia’s international activities over the past two decades have increased four and a half times with Asia, compared to three times with the rest of the world. The multi-indicator measure of Australia-Asia relations, the Pricewaterhouse Coopers Melbourne Institute Asialink Index, reveals that in quantitative terms we are on a trajectory of increasing interaction with our neighbours.
Qualitatively, however, there are clear problems. With closer relations there is perhaps always the potential for friction. We have seen violence against Indian students in Melbourne and Sydney, the arrest of Australian mining executive Stern Hu, a passionate debate on whaling and discontent over our Defence White Paper’s handling of China. On the one hand, these are reminders that our relationships are deepening; on the other, these reminders suggest that, as a nation we may need to consider new approaches and strategies.
Today’s Asialink and Asia Society National Forum is an event initiated from outside government which aims to make an informed contribution to long-term national planning. We will assess our current relations and deliberate on the possible strategies and mechanisms that might help to promote effective Australia-Asia engagement.
We are especially grateful that the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Kevin Rudd, the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Tony Abbott, and so many Ambassadors and High Commissioners from the Asian region have given their time to participate in today’s proceedings.
Australia’s international activities over the past two decades have increased four and a half times with Asia, compared to three times with the rest of the world. The multi-indicator measure of Australia-Asia relations, the Pricewaterhouse Coopers Melbourne Institute Asialink Index, reveals that in quantitative terms we are on a trajectory of increasing interaction with our neighbours.
Qualitatively, however, there are clear problems. With closer relations there is perhaps always the potential for friction. We have seen violence against Indian students in Melbourne and Sydney, the arrest of Australian mining executive Stern Hu, a passionate debate on whaling and discontent over our Defence White Paper’s handling of China. On the one hand, these are reminders that our relationships are deepening; on the other, these reminders suggest that, as a nation we may need to consider new approaches and strategies.
Today’s Asialink and Asia Society National Forum is an event initiated from outside government which aims to make an informed contribution to long-term national planning. We will assess our current relations and deliberate on the possible strategies and mechanisms that might help to promote effective Australia-Asia engagement.
We are especially grateful that the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Kevin Rudd, the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Tony Abbott, and so many Ambassadors and High Commissioners from the Asian region have given their time to participate in today’s proceedings.
| Sid Myer, Chairman of Asialink and the Asia Society AustralAsia Centre |
Professor Glyn Davis AC, Vice-Chancellor The University of Melbourne |
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