Australia urged to expand flights to Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam in blueprint to boost trade

Anthony Albanese will launch strategy amid intense debate over decision to block Qatar Airways' request for further flights to Australia

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Australia should expand flights to key south-east Asian markets such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, according to a sweeping economic blueprint to boost trade.

The strategy, to be released by the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, on Wednesday, also calls on the government to cut foreign investment barriers, fast track visas and urgently improve Australia's south-east Asia literacy".

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