Global Insights Dispatches from the diplomatic network and state and territory offices
Critical Minerals Prospectus launch
Australian Critical Minerals Prospectus
Abu Dhabi: .forging partnerships with the UAE In January, a small delegation of DFAT officials met with their counterparts in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to begin negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The discussions were followed by Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell meeting with UAE senior ministers and business representatives to progress the negotiations and promote stronger investment ties. This occurred during the minister’s travel to the UAE for the 13th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in February. A larger negotiating round will take place in the coming months.
We continue to welcome written submissions from all interested stakeholders at the DFAT website here: dfat.gov. au/trade/agreements/ negotiations/australia- uae-comprehensive- economic-partnership- agreement-cepa. Brasília: Protecting First Nations intellectual property Both Australia and Brazil are strong supporters of a proposed global treaty to protect the intellectual property of First Nations peoples. A legally binding treaty under the World
Brazil is drawing on the experience of its Amazonian peoples to show that legal protections do not stifle research and innovation and Australia is hoping to act as a bridge to convince reluctant Western countries to support a treaty. It is hoped that a treaty can be successfully concluded at a WIPO diplomatic conference in May 2024. Chennai: Growing Australian business ties in Tamil Nadu The Australian Consulate- General in Chennai, capital of Tamil Nadu, supported an 80-strong Australian delegation at the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet (GIM) in early January 2024. Australia was a partner country at the GIM.
The Consulate-General took a “Team Australia” approach, working closely with Austrade, CAIR (Centre for Australia India relations), state governments (WA, NT, Victoria, Queensland), Tourism Australia and the Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce (IACC). Australia was showcased as the destination for business, investment, study and tourism. Australia highlighted our expertise in education, skills, renewable energy and digital health. The private sector made key announcements in some sectors: Australian e-bike company TAV Systems is investing A$10 million in a manufacturing unit and launching a new product; Deakin University and IIT Madras are launching a Research Academy; and Equinox Ventures announced the opening
On 29 January, Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell and Minister for Resources, the Hon Madeleine King MP, launched the Australian Government’s Critical Minerals Prospectus which showcases 52 high-quality, investment ready critical minerals projects. The latest Prospectus profiles projects from the new Critical Minerals List as well as Australia’s capability to meet rising global demand in critical minerals while building supply chain security.
Minister Farrell said that the Prospectus highlights significant Australian critical minerals opportunities for international investors, highlighting the country’s abundant resources, robust regulatory environment, and numerous free trade agreements with countries in need of these resources. “Australia is on the cusp of a golden age in critical minerals development. We are actively engaging with international trade and investment partners to diversify our critical minerals supply chains and create new opportunities,” he said.
“More international investment in critical minerals means more jobs, including value-adding jobs for Australian workers on these projects.” Minister King stated that Australia’s critical minerals are key to the world’s energy transformation. “We need to attract investment to get these minerals out of the ground, to process them here, to build the batteries, wind turbines and solar panels required to make the switch to a lower-carbon economy,” she said.
This Prospectus is a key publication produced by the Australian Government’s trade and investment agency, Austrade, to help attract the investment we need to build new industries, create jobs and reduce global emissions. The Prospectus is available online at: globalaustralia.gov. au/industries/net-zero/critical- minerals/prospectus
Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
would help protect the genetic resources and traditional knowledge that communities rely on for their livelihoods.
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business envoy
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
business envoy
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