Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Jobs and Innovation) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Hume for her question.

Senators will be aware that the ASEAN summit was held in Sydney recently, on the weekend. It was an outstanding success, and it presented a number of opportunities for both Australia and Australian industry. Ministers were involved in a number of discussions, and I had the opportunity to participate in discussions aimed at increasing science and industry ties between Australia and ASEAN nations.

On Friday, CSIRO's Data61 launched the Sunrise industries report. The report identifies seven emerging industries in ASEAN and neighbouring nations, including Australia, which will generate future jobs and fuel further investment in our region. I'm also pleased to advise that on Thursday Australia, again through the CSIRO, and Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding on collaboration in science and technology.

Many ASEAN members, including Vietnam, have strong economic growth prospects and provide potential markets for Australian exports. It's important that we provide Australia and Australian industry with an ability to integrate into these markets so that they can increase their economic ties and ultimately create more jobs. Forging stronger connections with our regional neighbours will enhance Australia's economic prosperity and security, and will boost Australia's regional productivity.

We also announced a joint initiative with the ASEAN countries to promote digital trade through the ASEAN-Australia Digital Trade Standards Initiative. International standards will enable digital trade to remove barriers and, again, this will help to share the benefits of a more inclusive digital economy.