The Middle East – the new Asia: why Australia should concentrate on strengthening the economic relationship

Australia has always been a go-ahead nation, eager to plot new courses, test ideas and take ourselves into the world to form new friendships, alliances and business opportunities. Traditionally this has been with our ‘old-world’ European and US partners that have shaped our economic and cultural progress. Over the past two decades we have capitalised on a post-European focus by establishing networks with regional investment into China and South East Asia, who have an insatiable appetite, fuelled by a growing middle class.