Asia contains some of our closest neighbors. In many different areas, Australia has forged strong links with Asia, links which on their current path can only become stronger. Our future now lies with Asia, our closest trading partner. Previously we mainly associated ourselves with Europe, Britain and America, however now we are leaning towards Asia to become the area of all our major trade. We have already begun to break into Asia, their market, their culture and their people. This mutually beneficial future is built on strong foundations forged over the past century. Relations such as industry, trade, tourism, immigration, cultural exchange, our history and geography have paved the way for a stronger partnership between the two continents.
            
             The geography of the Australasian region has placed Australia in an advantageous position. Our position makes us, the major western influence in this region, a close neighbor to some of the most densely populated countries on the planet. With the major powers of the region we have traded products, cultures and immigration. All this has occurred simply because of our proximity. Through the proximity Asia has so much to do with Australia. Our geography also means that tourism and travel between our country and Asia is at an all time high. The majority of overseas travel finds its destination in Asia, this is not simply because of geography, but because of business and immigration.
            
             Australia has been a multicultural nation since its federation in 1901. Over the last century the races in our nation have become more diverse and now the population of Australia is 8% Asian. By making Australia their home, they are increasing 'what Australia has to do with Asia.' When the immigration boom began after the Vietnam War many immigrants were refugees, 'boat people.' At the time they were discriminated against but now are respected members of our community. The sons, daughters, grand...