Federal Labor is looking to deepen Australia's engagement with Asia, with the opposition to launch a new strategy to strengthen ties.
Shadow treasurer Chris Bowen will outline further details on Friday, but Labor leader Bill Shorten confirmed the policy on a visit to Korea and Japan.
"What has reminded me most forcefully in the last three days is that Australia's future is inextricably linked with Asia's future," he told reporters in Tokyo on Wednesday.
"The message which we will be taking back to Australia is that Australia needs to take full advantage of the rise of the Asian middle class or we will be left behind."
Mr Shorten says his party, which launched the Asian Century White Paper under Julia Gillard, wants a deeper engagement with the region.
"We have a marvellous skill bank of Australians with Asia capability, and we need to work with our diaspora and we need to work more with Asian Australians in Australia to help use their knowledge and familial links and their backgrounds," he said.
The opposition leader said he was pleased two of his daughters were studying Japanese and he wanted to see more children pick up Asian languages.
He claims the Turnbull government's Asia plans are on "cruise control".
"Australia needs to press the accelerator to make sure we take benefit of the rise of our North Asian friends."
