Exploring the Future of the Indo-Pacific with Ambassador Sinodinos

On June 8, 2021, the Meridian Corporate Council in collaboration with Moderna hosted a virtual conversation with His Excellency Arthur Sinodinos, Ambassador of Australia to the United States. This conversation was moderated by Ambassador Stuart Holliday, CEO of Meridian International Center, and focused on discussing the future of regional trade agreements, alliances, security, and opportunities for private sector growth and investment in the Indo-Pacific.  

Ambassador Sinodinos previously served as the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science and Senator for New South Wales in the Australian Parliament with other key roles in and outside the Cabinet, including Cabinet Secretary and Assistant Treasurer. Ambassador Sinodinos was appointed the Prime Minister’s Senior Economic Adviser in 1996 and from 1997-1986, he served as the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff. Between 1987-1989 and 1995-1996 Ambassador Sinodinos also served as Senior Economic Adviser to Prime Minister John Howard. He started his Australian Public Service career in 1979, rising to the Senior Executive Service in the Department of the Treasury. 

Throughout the webinar, Ambassador Sinodinos’ central message was on the importance of the relationship between the United States and Australia in maintaining regional security and economic opportunity in the Indo-Pacific. He identified key areas of trade, economic, and security policy that could be improved through additional U.S. involvement including critical minerals, cyber security, and pharmaceuticals. The Quad Summit signified a first step towards increased economic, health, and security collaboration in the Indo-Pacific and demonstrated the Biden Administration’s commitment to multilateralism. However, the matter of U.S. re-entry into the Comprehensive Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) remains uncertain. With President Biden’s possible visit to Canberra in September to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty, discussions on strengthening the bilateral relationship, regional security, and the CPTPP will likely appear on the agenda.