A special summit this week marks 50 years of partnership between Australia and ASEAN.

The summit from March 4-6 in Melbourne commemorates the 50th anniversary of Australia’s partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), aiming to strengthen ties through a series of focused discussions on business, emerging leaders, climate and clean energy, and maritime cooperation.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed pride in Australia's long-standing relationship with ASEAN.

“Australia sees ASEAN at the centre of a stable, peaceful, and prosperous region. Strengthening our relationship ensures our shared future prosperity and security,” he said.

The summit will see leaders from nine of the ten ASEAN countries, excluding Myanmar's military junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, gather to explore avenues for enhanced trade, investment, and collective efforts towards a green-energy transition. 

The absence of Myanmar's representation highlights ongoing concerns regarding the country's internal conflict and ASEAN's commitment to a consensus-driven approach.

Notably, the summit welcomes Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão as an official observer, marking a significant step in regional inclusivity and cooperation. 

This development, along with the participation of leaders from the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, many of whom are visiting Australia for the first time, is part of the event's emphasis on relationship building and regional collaboration.

In parallel to the leaders' discussions, the summit features a CEO business forum and an SME conference, aiming to foster economic engagement and support the ASEAN-Australia economic partnership.

 A climate and clean energy forum and a maritime cooperation conference are also on the agenda, highlighting shared challenges and opportunities for collaboration.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has also taken a step forward in regional cooperation by signing a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Philippine Competition Commission. 

This agreement aims to enhance competition law enforcement and policy administration, benefiting businesses and consumers across Australia, the Philippines, and the broader ASEAN region.