Focus on Asia Pacific

In recent years the Asia Pacific region has been setting the pace for the developing world, particularly in economic growth. However, there is a critical need to extend the benefits of rapid economic and social development to all its people.

All developing countries in the Asia Pacific, including China and India, are struggling with poverty on a broad scale. While the proportion of poor people in countries such as China may have dramatically declined, the absolute number of poor in the region is increasing.

One-third of Australia’s international trade is with Asia Pacific economies and that proportion is growing. Total bilateral value with these economies stands at A$100 billion.

If a mere 1% of that total filters down to the poor, it would amount to 10 times more than Australia’s direct foreign aid to those countries. This would lift over 2.5 million people out of poverty.

If the countries that are currently off-track were to receive assistance to achieve the MDGs, this would mean:

• 196 million more people would be lifted out of poverty
• 23 million more children would no longer suffer from hunger
• Close to one million more children would survive beyond their fifth birthday
• Four million more children would get a basic education
• 240 million more people in rural areas would have access to improved sanitation
• 80 million more people would have access to improved water supplies

Australian businesses have an enormous opportunity to improve the wellbeing of many millions of people and without compromising economic gains or profitability.

Developing business with the Asia Pacific within the framework of the MDGs ensures that your business prospers and that you positively contribute to the alleviation of poverty.

The rate of progress varies significantly across the Asia Pacific. In considering where your business can make a positive impact, it is important to assess where the need is greatest, and where your business is operating most actively.