Mr Obama will address a special joint sitting of federal parliament in Canberra on March 23 after a visit to Indonesia.

He's told the Export-Import Bank's annual conference in Washington DC yesterday that the Asia Pacific region "will be fundamental to America's ability to create jobs and to thrive in the 21st century".

"While I'm there, I'll visit Indonesia and Australia, two vibrant economies and democracies that will be critical partners for the United States," he said.

"And in both countries, I'll highlight the role that American businesses play there and underscore how strong economic partnerships can create jobs on both sides of the Pacific while advancing both regional and global prosperity."