PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

26 November 2025, CANBERRA – The ASEAN Committee in Canberra (ACC) met with the Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, the Hon Tim Ayres MP, at Parliament House on 26 November 2025 to explore opportunities to further advance economic, trade, and innovation cooperation between Southeast Asia and Australia.

The ACC emphasized the value of deeper collaboration in science, technology, innovation, industry, and workforce upskilling, in line with Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. The ACC also highlighted areas for enhanced cooperation on the green agenda, including ASEAN’s energy transition, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and emerging technologies in agriculture and the circular economy.

Minister Ayres expressed interest in learning more about how Australia could contribute to ASEAN’s Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to providing practical support for Australian companies investing in ASEAN, as well as for ASEAN companies investing in Australia.

As ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner and Comprehensive Strategic Partner, Australia plays an important and longstanding role in the region’s progress and prosperity. With the Philippines assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, both sides see a unique opportunity to deepen ASEAN-Australia cooperation and advance inclusive growth, digital innovation, and sustainable development across the region.- END