Contents
Minister’s Foreword
Supporting Australia’s businesses diversify overseas
Minister’s Foreword
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The Australian Export Awards bringing national recognition to business across states and sectors
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Delivering a more inclusive approach to trade and investment
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Australia announces trade agreement negotiations with the United Arab Emirates
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As we end 2023, this edition of Business Envoy is a celebration of the success of Australian businesses in taking their world- class products and services to global markets, highlighting the Government’s role to support these efforts.
Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040
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IPEF negotiations in San Francisco 14
assist them to diversify their overseas markets. Our free trade agreements (FTAs) continue to serve an important role in diversifying Australia’s trading relationships. Trade creates well-paid, secure jobs, and increases the living standards for Australians. On 13 December, the Government announced it will commence negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the United Arab Emirates, in the new year. A trade deal with the UAE will strengthen our relationship with one of our most important trading and investment partners in the Middle East.
I was delighted to announce Care Essentials as the winner of the 2023 Australian Export Awards last month. Care Essentials is a family- owned business that has grown to become a world leading exporter of medical equipment. The quality of finalists this year was exceptional, and they are to be commended for their significant contributions to Australia’s economy and the jobs they’ve helped to create. Collectively they employ over 22,500 people and generated $12 billion in export earnings. Trade is a key lever of the Australian economy, and the Albanese Labor Government is focussed on creating new export opportunities for Australian businesses to
APEC: an update on digital trade
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to chair the inaugural Trade 2040 Taskforce in November bringing together leaders from across Australia in government, industry, unions, and the community to inform the Government’s trade policy agenda. This mix is purposeful – we’re putting people with diverse expertise and experience at the centre of our trade policy to make sure Australia is best placed to harness trade opportunities in the decades to come. We’ve got an exciting forward work agenda for 2024. The Government remains committed to engaging with business and the broader community as we pursue a trade agenda that delivers for all Australians. I hope readers have a safe and happy festive season.
announced will help support the digital economy, decarbonise our economies, and make our supply chains more resilient. Sustainability and inclusivity are embedded throughout the Framework. In San Francisco, we also saw significant progress in ensuring First Nations have a seat at the table internationally to discuss their trade and investment interests. I was pleased to be able to co- host an historic APEC Ministerial Dialogue with Indigenous Peoples. It followed the inaugural meeting of the Partnership Council for the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement, of which Australia is a founding member. In this issue we are continuing to promote an exciting skills exchange initiative under the Australia- United Kingdom FTA, bringing UK professionals for placements with Australian businesses. And from February next year, under the FTA, the UK will lift the age limit from 30 to 35 for Australians applying for a UK working holiday visa under the Youth Mobility scheme. Look out for updates next year on our other key trading partnerships. The Government is continuing to engage broadly with businesses, civil society, and other stakeholders on our trade policy. I was pleased
While we weren’t able to conclude negotiations on a free trade agreement with the European Union this year, the EU will continue to be an important trading and investment partner. In November, I travelled to Shanghai, China to attend the sixth China International Import Expo, one of the world’s largest trade shows. There was a record number of Australian exhibitors participating in this year’s Expo showcasing our world-class goods and services. While in Shanghai, I had the opportunity to engage with senior business leaders from a range of commercial sectors and promote Australian tourism and education services. Trade between Australia and China has delivered significant benefits to both our countries. My visit was another opportunity to advocate for Australian business, including for the full resumption of unimpeded Australian exports to China. On 16 November, just over a year after negotiations first commenced, I joined my counterparts in San Francisco to announce the substantial conclusion of key
Australia Awards Short Courses: demonstrating the cutting edge of energy transition
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Catalysing energy decarbonisation in Laos
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China International Import Expo signals new era of optimism for Australia-China trade relations
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Baidam Solutions: training future First Nations cyber leaders
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An historic week for First Nations economic cooperation
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Australia’s journey towards Net Zero
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WA promots high-grade vanadium metal project
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On the cover:
Practical guidance to help your organisation build a Mutual Recognition Agreement
Senator The Hon Don Farrell Minister for Trade and Tourism
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Care Essentials – 61st Australian Export Award and Regional Export winners, celebrating at the awards ceremony at Parliament House on 30 November. Read about them and all category winners and finalists on page 4
Export Finance Australia hosts the 28th Asian Exim Banks Forum
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Australia-UK FTA provides pathway to address skills gaps
agreements under the Indo- Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF). The Framework is a
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modern arrangement that supports cooperation and greater economic integration in the Indo-Pacific region. The IPEF outcomes
Global Insights
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Above: Senator the Hon Don Farrell engaging with Chinese trade and investment contacts during the Shanghai CIIE
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business envoy
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
business envoy
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