Southeast Asia is on track to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2040, behind only the US, China, and India with nearly 70% of its population expected to join the middle class by 2030.
- Southeast Asia is NSW’s third-largest two-way trading partner in 2023-24. Two-way trade between NSW and Southeast Asia has doubled over the past 10 years, reaching A$33.6 billion in 2023–24, with significant potential for further growth.
- In 2023–24, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam each ranked among NSW’s top 12 merchandise export destinations. Southeast Asia is also NSW’s second largest source market for international students.
- Singapore remains NSW’s largest trade and investment partner in Southeast Asia. NSW has active sister state agreements with Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Deep people-to-people links exist, with 356,000 NSW residents born in a Southeast Asian country representing the state’s largest overseas-born group.
Why invest in NSW
NSW offers Southeast Asian investors a stable, connected gateway to the Asia Pacific.
- NSW is Australia’s largest and most diverse economy, with strong global links and government support.
- Investors can tap into fast-growing sectors, digital technology, infrastructure, green economy and advanced manufacturing.
- The region’s urbanisation, rising wealth and digital adoption closely align with NSW’s strengths.
- NSW’s growing highly skilled workforce, strong entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems, advanced manufacturing and strong research institutions offer strategic opportunities for long-term investment.
Export opportunities from NSW
NSW exporters are well positioned to meet Southeast Asia’s growing demand, fuelled by favourable demographics, industrialisation, urbanisation and technological advances. Southeast Asia’s combined GDP now stands at more than two times Australia’s GDP (USD 1.7 trillion).
- The region values NSW’s clean, high-quality products and trusted services.
- Key export opportunities include:
- Technology (this sector includes cleantech, fintech, and digital health)
- Health and life sciences
- Premium agrifood and beverages
- Advanced engineering and manufacturing
- International education.
- NSW exporters benefit from Free Trade Agreements and government partnerships that help accelerate access to Southeast Asian markets.
- NSW exporters benefit from Free Trade Agreements and government partnerships that help accelerate access to Southeast Asian markets.
- Explore Austrade SEABX programs
Talk to an expert in Southeast Asia
We can help you grow your business in NSW or export your products and services to Southeast Asian markets.
Key contact
Janice Goh
Trade and Investment Director, Southeast Asia
Our offices in Southeast Asia
Singapore
Investment NSW
88 Market Street
CapitaSpring #21-01
Singapore 048948
Indonesia
Australian Embassy
Jl. Patra Kuningan Raya Kav 1-4
Jakarta 12950, Indonesia
Vietnam
Chancery, Australian Embassy
No. 8 Dao Tan Street
Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Malaysia
Austrade, Australian High Commission
6 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng
Kuala Lumpur 50450, Malaysia