Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will use a major address on a string of mega-trends challenging the global economy as a call to arms for Australia to remain committed to open markets and take on major structural reforms to make the country more competitive.

Mr Frydenberg will use a speech at the Australian National University on Tuesday to argue that while Australia has benefited from the transformation of the global economy over recent years, it will have to prepare for new changes in areas from ageing demographics to rising debt levels.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will use a major speech in Canberra on Tuesday to argue the importance of Australia embracing structural reforms to boost the economy. Credit:AAP

The government has been under pressure internally and from institutions such as the Reserve Bank to embark on structural reforms to help boost productivity, increase growth and lift wages.

The Treasurer's speech will touch on how the economy grew on the back of significant international institutions set up in the immediate wake of World War II but substantial domestic reforms will now be needed to deal with new challenges.