East Asia

Australia's aid strategy for East Asia regional organisations and programs 2011-2015

Estimated ODA to Indonesia and East Asia in 2011-12: $1,265.7 million *

East Asia continues to strengthen as a region, experiencing stable economic growth and lifting large numbers out of poverty each year.

But as growth and poverty reduction are unevenly spread across the region several developmental challenges remain, with approximately 500 million poor people living on less than $2 a day¹. This is where Australian aid can have a positive and long lasting effect.

As countries experience increasing urbanisation and industrialisation, the poor, particularly in rural areas, are subject to rising inequality. This affects their access to basic services such as education, health care and water and sanitation. Improving opportunities to access these basic services and strengthening the existing work of governments, is the major focus of Australian Aid in the region.

In addition, Australian aid targets the skills and reforms required by countries to benefit from deeper regional cooperation and trade. This also includes addressing the regional development challenges that arise, such as pandemics and emerging infectious diseases, illicit drugs, labour exploitation and human trafficking.

Key Areas of Australian Assistance

Economic growth—Australia is a major donor and partner to regional organisations which address the challenges of economic integration and more open trade and investment. At a bilateral level Australia works with partner governments, in the provision of training and advice and with organisations such as the Asian Development Bank in the delivery of key trade and infrastructure projects.
Education—education is a flagship of Australia's aid program and is a powerful tool for poverty reduction. Australia supports other countries in the region through the provision of a range of scholarships and education infrastructure.
Health—the provision of water and sanitation services in the region is important due to a lack of access to these services in the rural locations. The development of irrigation and water supply systems are examples of Australian assistance. Australia also provides programs to address emerging infectious diseases and harm reduction associated with illicit drug use.
Disaster Response—due to the increasing frequency of natural disasters in the region preparedness and response is becoming increasingly important. Australia is providing assistance at the regional level through the East Asia Summit and bilaterally with partner countries.
Agriculture—Australia has particular expertise to offer in agriculture especially as many of the regions poor tend to be involved in this sector. Australia works to develop and implement new farming methods, through bodies such as ACIAR, and improve the access of farmers to markets and supply chains.

* Includes $558.1 million in total ODA to Indonesia for 2011-12. Estimated ODA to East Asia in 2011-12 excluding Indonesia is $707.6 million.

¹World Bank East Asia and Pacific Economic Update 2010, Volume 1

Last reviewed: 13 May, 2011