Nationhood
Colombo Plan
01 July 1951
The Colombo Plan strengthens Australia’s international relations in Asia by providing aid.
In 1950 a plan to build the economic and social development of South and South-East Asia was agreed to by 7 Commonwealth countries including Australia. The Colombo Plan, which commenced in 1951, was a major part of Australia’s foreign aid policy for over 20 years and helped facilitate Australia‘s social, cultural and economic engagement with Asia.
The Colombo Plan was a Cold War project. While working to raise the standard of living across Asia, it also aimed to stop the spread of communism in the region. Australia provided equipment for infrastructure projects, sent teachers to Asian countries and hosted students in Australia. Thousands of Asian students attended Australian universities and technical colleges as part of the Plan. Their presence led to questions about the future of the White Australia Policy.
Since the 1970s the Colombo Plan has included the Pacific and currently has 27 member countries.
Indonesian Colombo Plan students on the steps of a Qantas aircraft
National Archives of Australia, A1501, A6095/5
Indonesian Colombo Plan students on the steps of a Qantas aircraft
National Archives of Australia, A1501, A6095/5
Description
This photograph of Indonesia students coming to Australia to study was taken in 1965. The students were hosted in Australia as part of the Colombo Plan, designed to engage Asia through aid.
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