Co-chairs Press Release
20 November 2025
ASEAN and Australia held the third Joint Planning and Review Committee (JPRC) Meeting of the Australia for ASEAN Futures Initiative at the ASEAN Headquarters/Secretariat on Tuesday 18 November, reviewing the 34 ASEAN-led projects supported by the Aus4ASEAN Futures Initiative to-date and confirming future priority areas of collaboration.
The Aus4ASEAN Futures Initiative (AUD 204 million; 2022-2032) is the flagship investment under the ASEAN-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership implemented under the ASEAN-Australia Plan of Action (2025-2029). It is demand-driven, agile and responsive to ASEAN priorities, providing practical support to ASEAN and ASEAN Member States to deliver meaningful results across the region.
H.E. Ambassador M.I. Derry Aman, Ambassador/Permanent Representative of Indonesia to ASEAN and Country Coordinator for ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations, co-chaired the meeting with H.E. Tiffany McDonald, Australian Ambassador to ASEAN. Representatives from all 11 ASEAN Member States were in attendance.
The meeting discussed the future direction of the Aus4ASEAN Futures Initiative, aligned with ASEAN evolving priorities, encompassing among others regional trade and investment; digital economy; energy transition and climate action; ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) implementation; ASEAN Connectivity; Initiative for ASEAN Integration and Narrowing Development Gap; and inclusive growth and human development.
Key projects undertaken under the Aus4ASEAN Futures Initiative include: launching the ASEAN–Australia Energy Cooperation Program to advance the ASEAN Power Grid; developing the ASEAN Digital Trade Standards Roadmap; enhancing the ASEAN Tariff Finder; developing the Implementation Roadmap for the Unique Business Identification Number; supporting the 2nd ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific seminar on submarine cables; and updating the Rolling Priority Pipeline of ASEAN Infrastructure Projects to include 21 projects, enhancing project visibility and access to financing opportunities.
In his remarks, Ambassador Derry Aman expressed his appreciation to Australia for its partnership and continued support to ASEAN. He commended Aus4ASEAN Futures efforts across all three ASEAN Community Pillars and cross-pillars cooperation and expressed his hopes that this Initiative would support ASEAN’s endeavours towards the realization of ASEAN Community Vision 2045
Ambassador McDonald highlighted Australia’s commitment to ASEAN. She said: “Australia’s commitment to ASEAN and our shared region is steadfast, because when ASEAN does well, our region does well. We are delighted the Aus4ASEAN Futures Initiative, driven by ASEAN’s priorities, has supported meaningful results region-wide and will continue to do so. ASEAN is central to the strength and success of our diverse and dynamic region, and through this Aus4ASEAN Futures, we are jointly promoting peace, stability and prosperity across our shared region.”
Recalling the Vision Statement agreed by ASEAN and Australia Leaders in Melbourne in 2024, both Ambassadors agreed that while Australia was ASEAN’s oldest Dialogue Partner, the work progressed under the Aus4ASEAN Futures Initiative proves that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between ASEAN and Australia is a partnership for the Future.
As ASEAN and Australia harness the opportunities and tackle challenges of the future, the Aus4ASEAN Futures Initiative will continue to listen and respond to ASEAN priorities, delivering tangible development outcomes for ASEAN.
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