wallydownundy

Debate has raged for more than a decade - is Australia part of Asia?  Geographically it’s on the lowest reaches of the region - it isn’t part of the Continent, as it’s the only country to have its own continent to itself.  It isn’t sociologically part of Asia - there are a lot of people from Asia or of Asian who call Australia home, but most immediate preconceptions of Australians bring up the bronzed surfer or proud Aboriginal. 

But is Australia part of Asia economically? Sure - every trade figure shows our largest trading partners are in the region.  And most firms in China, Korea or Japan report they like working with the Australians.  We’re more flexible than the Europeans and not as dogmatic as the Americans.

But in truth Australia is Australia and that’s that.  It’s not Asian.  It’s not European.  It’s not even American.  There are so many unique attributes that Australia really does stand apart. 

This was driven home last week when I was in Singapore, Hong Kong and then Macao on business.  The pace is faster there and the population is much more concentrated (and frenetic).  We’re a laid back country that still has a lot to prove.  Come on down, find out for yourself.  And while you’re here, I know a number of really fine Asian restaurants!