Investor Updates
Australia sets up $36m centre to support business in the Asian Century
10 July 2013
Australia’s unique position as a platform to access the dynamic high-growth Asian region has been strengthened with the establishment of a new $36 million centre to support business in the Asian Century.
The establishment of the National Centre for Asia Capability in Melbourne and Sydney is to be delivered through the University of Melbourne’s Asialink and was announced jointly by Trade Minister Richard Marles and Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr.
The centre "will tap into the expertise of business and community organisations, peak bodies, training providers and business councils to help business leaders develop a deeper knowledge and expertise of Asian countries and cultures,” Mr Marles said.
"The centre will also forge new partnerships to help businesses develop the Asia-relevant capabilities they need to better access growing markets in our region,” he said in a statement.
The centre builds on Australia’s existing trade ties with the region, built over the last 50 years. Four of Australia’s top five trading partners are Asian economies. More than a third of the country’s foreign-born population is from Asia and more than 2.1 million Australians, or nearly 10 per cent of the population, speak an Asian language at home.
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