• Asian Engagement Strategy consultation paper released today
• The strategy aims to strengthen Western Australia's relationships with Asia
• All interested parties are invited to make a submission

The McGowan Government today launched the first stage of the State's Asian Engagement Strategy with the release of a consultation paper.

Asian Engagement Minister Bill Johnston launched the paper at the State Government's inaugural Western Australia - Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Trade and Investment Dialogue.

Asia is Western Australia's largest export market and its share of the global economy is growing, making Asia vitally important to our State's economy.

Western Australians have long held close relationships with our Asian trading partners, largely through the State's resource exports.

However, our ties are much deeper with many Western Australians born in Asia and many organisations, in WA and Asia, devoted to improving cultural ties and understanding.

This relationship provides a terrific platform for the State to diversify its exports to the region and provide opportunities for jobs growth within WA.

The consultation paper invites submissions to develop a comprehensive picture of Western Australia's Asian engagement activities and see how the State can better engage with Asia.

For more information and to make a submission, visit https://www.jtsi.wa.gov.au/aes  

Comments attributed to Asian Engagement Minister Bill Johnston:

"The Asian Engagement Strategy is a key election commitment for the McGowan Government.

"Deepening our relationships throughout Asia will provide opportunities for Western Australia to diversify its economy and create jobs

"To capture opportunities, we need to have a relationship with Asia that is more than transactional. I encourage all interested parties to contribute to the development of the strategy by making a submission."

Minister's office - 6552 6700