Due to the Covid-19 global pandemic, Australia and South Asian Countries have experienced significant disruption in international trade, investment, travel for business and higher education, tourism, and supply chains. It is important to reflect and address some of the key issues and challenges faced by Australia in this sector and analyze potential recovery strategies for the future. Inevitably, in the coming decade, Australia will need to pursue its interests in a more competitive and contested world. This pandemic has witnessed an intensified trade war of Australia with its strongest bilateral trade partner China, threatening an increasing number of industries in Australia such as agribusiness, forestry, and mining. A nearsighted solution to this problem does not seem feasible, given the recent diplomatic fallout between the two nations. Australia thereby needs an alternative strategic bilateral coalition to combat this situation and progress towards a sustainable economic goal. Based on the above scenario, the core objective of this book is to suggest and explore that South-Asian nations could be the prominent focal point for Australia to move forward, as it is a large market with population nearing two billion. This book will provide an overview of the Australian trade and investment relationship with South Asian Countries, identify trends and developments of the bilateral trade relationship of Australia with South Asian countries (in strategic areas of trade, travel, investment, and education), and will shed light on the future opportunities for development and partnerships for economic growth, trade in goods and services and tourism between Australia and South Asia. It will also display how Australia can play a leading role amongst the SAARC countries (Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) to cooperate for their individual national economic development and growth objectives and be best prepared to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the future.

Owing to a strong cultural and historical bond, India and Southeast Asia have progressed rapidly. Though there are political and ideological differences between these two entities, it may not hamper the strong bond as there are many common shared values among these nations. The history of these nations identifies that the cooperation between them in terms of trade and commerce is not upheld per the given potential of these nations. In the past, the Indian economy was linked with Southeast Asian countries under the ""Look East"" policy, which has been re-energized again under the present government. Now, the ""Look East"" policy is practically more vibrant than ever before with the motto ""Act East."" This policy facilitates these countries in emphasizing the importance of better regional connectivity for tourism as well as robust trade and commerce. It leads to a phenomenal growth in terms of imports and exports for these countries. Evaluating Trade and Economic Relations Between India and Southeast Asia sheds light on the trade and economic linkages between India and Southeast Asia and their impact on the nations in the past, present, and for the future. The chapters study whether the win-win strategy works for the strengthening of these countries in terms of both trade relations and political integrity, as well as in facing common enemies across international boundaries. Some of the topics covered include food security, tourism opportunities, trade blocs, trade relations, and economic relations between countries. This book is a valuable reference tool for economists, government officials, policymakers, trade analysts, practitioners, researchers, academicians, and students interested in the policies and relations between India and Southeast Asia that affect trade and the economy.

Owing to a strong cultural and historical bond, India and Southeast Asia have progressed rapidly. Though there are political and ideological differences between these two entities, it may not hamper the strong bond as there are many common shared values among these nations. The history of these nations identifies that the cooperation between them in terms of trade and commerce is not upheld per the given potential of these nations. In the past, the Indian economy was linked with Southeast Asian countries under the ""Look East"" policy, which has been re-energized again under the present government. Now, the ""Look East"" policy is practically more vibrant than ever before with the motto ""Act East."" This policy facilitates these countries in emphasizing the importance of better regional connectivity for tourism as well as robust trade and commerce. It leads to a phenomenal growth in terms of imports and exports for these countries. Evaluating Trade and Economic Relations Between India and Southeast Asia sheds light on the trade and economic linkages between India and Southeast Asia and their impact on the nations in the past, present, and for the future. The chapters study whether the win-win strategy works for the strengthening of these countries in terms of both trade relations and political integrity, as well as in facing common enemies across international boundaries. Some of the topics covered include food security, tourism opportunities, trade blocs, trade relations, and economic relations between countries. This book is a valuable reference tool for economists, government officials, policymakers, trade analysts, practitioners, researchers, academicians, and students interested in the policies and relations between India and Southeast Asia that affect trade and the economy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced countries around the globe into lockdown, imposing trade and travel restrictions with devastating economic impacts on all sectors of the economy. In working toward greater economic stability, Australia has been strengthening its trade relations with other countries, which is reflected through its increased strategic relations with India. However, it is now essential to explore how Australia is working to further expand its collaboration with other South Asian countries and find new markets and opportunities for trade, investment, tourism, international education, and business dealings for its resources, services, manufacturing, and technology sectors. Strategic Cooperation and Partnerships Between Australia and South Asia: Economic Development, Trade, and Investment Opportunities Post COVID-19 provides an overview of the Australian trade and investment relationship with South Asian countries and identifies the trends and developments of bilateral trade agreements in strategic areas of trade, tourism, investment, education, prior and post COVID-19. Covering topics such as international trade, climate change policy, and macroeconomics, it is ideal for policymakers, practitioners, industry professionals, government officials, academicians, researchers, instructors, and students.