Years of talking with business and Australian trade organisations has taught us one clear fact.

Australian businesses do not have a large capability to do business with countries in Southeast Asia. They do not understand the culture of these markets and the mindset required to succeed in business. They are too used to doing business “their way”.

Australian business people are friendly and keen but generally lack the tenacity to develop and maintain a long term business opportunity.

How do we fix this?  We offer suggestions in our submission to the Australian government’s Southeast Asia economic strategy to 2040.