Australia Deepens Southeast Asia Ties With $250 Million Push

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also met with new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks during a press conference in Canberra, Australia, on Aug. 11, 2025. Hilary Wardhaugh/AFP via Getty Images

Amid ongoing regional competition, the Albanese government has unveiled a $250 million investment package to further expand Australia’s economic influence in Southeast Asia.

Australia will channel $175 million into IFM Investors’ Asia-Pacific Debt Fund and US$50 million into a new Southeast Asia Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment fund established by infrastructure group Plenary.