School of Economics and Public Policy International Activities: February 2025
The School of Economics and Public Policy has been involved in many international activities already in 2025. Here’s a snapshot of what’s been happening in this space - from Papua New Guinea, to Indonesia, and Cambodia!
Our GFAR Associate Director Associate Professor Craig Johns is leading a key part of an Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) project to develop Papua New Guniea's first commercial Galip Nut industry!
The team visited PNG for a final project review workshop and captured footage for an upcoming video on project impacts.
In partnership with Australian universities and the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), the team is helping bring this indigenous superfood to global markets, with local processors preparing to export to Australia and beyond! Learn more about this project.
Our researchers took to the skies to advance their research efforts in the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) the “IndoDairy 2” project.
With the new government’s rollout of the "Makan Bergizi Gratis" (Free Nutritious Meal) program, demand for dairy products is set to increase significantly, creating new market opportunities for local smallholder farmers.
GFAR’s Jack Hetherington travelled to Indonesia to participate in the National Inception Workshop for the IndoDairy2 project. This project aims to increase productivity and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farming households by strengthening milk cooperatives and expanding smallholder participation in the Indonesian dairy value chain.
While there, Jack also took part in the Dairy Policy Advisory Committee meeting and planning sessions with project partners from CQUniversity, IPB University, Diponegoro University, the Indonesian Centre for Agricultural Socio-Economic and Policy Studies and the University of Melbourne. GFAR researchers Dr Alexandra Peralta, Rida Akzar, Patrick O'Connor, and Jack Hetherington are proud to be part of this initiative, working to implement value chain interventions that support smallholders and drive sustainable development. Learn more about this project.
Fieldwork Highlights from Cambodia
Our GFAR Researchers Dr Alexandra Peralta and Panharoth Chhay recently visited Siem Reap, Cambodia to present the progress of our Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)-funded project:
Together, they planned the next project phase and shared updates with ACIAR personnel, who provided invaluable support and guidance for the remainder of this 5-year journey.
The team also conducted insightful interviews with farmers in Battambang, complementing a comprehensive household survey across Battambang, Kampong Cham, and Kandal provinces. These efforts strengthen our understanding of how digital financial services impact men and women in farming households across Cambodia. Learn more about the project.
We are pleased to share the successful completion of our Trade Negotiation Workshop in Phnom Penh, proudly supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Key guests included:
- Kanu Negi (First Secretary, Australian Embassy)
- H.E. Mr. TEP Phiyorin (Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Cambodia)
- Professor Peter Draper
- Dr. Nathan Gray (Ph.D)(GAICD)
The immersive simulation exercise featured vibrant interactions, strategic decision-making, and hands-on insights into real-world negotiations. We look forward to more capacity-building programs that strengthen regional economic development.
Professor Peter Draper’s recent talk at the South Australian Business Chamber Business Talk, focusing on shifts in the global trading system:
- Neomercantilism
Peter highlighted neomercantilism, an economic policy that emphasizes national wealth and power—offering an alternative to global cooperation. - Changing Global Order
The post-2008 era, compounded by COVID, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and rising protectionism, has accelerated the transformation of trade structures. - US and WTO
A possible mid-year US withdrawal from the World Trade Organisation, alongside unprecedented tariff hikes, poses significant market uncertainties. - Impact on Australia
Repercussions could hinge on how these tariff changes affect China, Australia’s largest trading partner. - Key Growth Sectors
Critical minerals (green transition), digital & AI, and defence are poised for expansion. Emerging markets in Southeast Asia and India also offer growing opportunities.
Peter concluded on an encouraging note, emphasizing that uncertainty often drives innovation, adaptability, and strategic engagement—vital tools for South Australian businesses seeking to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.