INTRODUCTION

Australians are particularly well-placed to engage in business with their Asian neighbours, not just because of geographic proximity, but because so many of the above characteristics fit their self-understanding. This is not to say that they are always good at these things, but rather that the cultural history of white settlement and multicultural growth has forced on Australians an awareness, and to some degree an acceptance, of otherness.

Australians responsible for both national policy and business are keen to strengthen connections with Asia. Politicians and senior business executives visit Asian countries on a regular basis, and invite their Asian counterparts to visit Australia. Asian students are encouraged to come to Australian universities, and cross-accreditation processes have set up the means whereby Australian students can undertake study in Asia. At home and in many Asian countries Australian trade organisations have been set up to assist and energise cross-national trade. It is a two-way process: Asians are encouraged to invest in Australia, and Australians are urged to seek opportunities to join in commercial ventures in Asia. The Commonwealth government has set up an organisation called Austrade, whose task it is to guide business organisations who have previously had little interaction with Asian businesses. In the current Austrade document, the following advice on communications at meetings with Japanese business is offered: