Australia starts public consultations on country strategies

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Bob Carr on Thursday here announced the start of public consultations on country strategies for Japan, China, Indonesia, India and South Korea as part of the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper, Indonesia's Antara news agency reported.

The country strategies aim to contribute to strengthen relations with key regional partners by outlining a vision of those relationships in 2025, the Australian Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a press statement.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will also consult directly with stakeholders including governments, business, institutions and community groups and will take into account submissions already received through the White Paper public consultation process in 2012.

Public submissions on the country strategies should be forwarded to www.dfat.gov.au/asiancentury by May 31, 2013, the statement said.