This is the Government's invitation to the private sector to work with us on social and economic development challenges in our region. Working with businesses to support our partners in the Indo-Pacific opens up a world of new possibilities in our priority areas:

Responding to COVID-19

The COVID-19 global pandemic is currently the over-riding challenge for the Indo-Pacific with significant impacts across countries and economies.

The Australian Government's development policy Partnerships for Recovery – Australia's COVID-19 Development Responseand performance framework, outline Australia's approach to tackling COVID-19 in our region focussed on health security, stability and economic recovery. Under this policy, DFAT is pivoting existing private sector programs to support economic recovery. We are working with businesses to create livelihood opportunities, support inclusive business practices, enhance gender equality and support countries to build back better and strengthen resilient economic recovery.

Why work with us?

We work with business to leverage each other's assets, connections, creativity and expertise to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. We do this by being a credible, capable partner to the private sector and by engaging with the private sector directly, and where necessary in partnership with foreign governments, international organisations and civil society.

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Want to work with us?

First review where we give aid and our development priorities to see what opportunities are available in your area of interest. If our interests align, the next step is to contact the relevant Embassy or High Commission if you are outside of Australia, or DFAT's state and territory offices within Australia.

Supporting resources:

• Operational Framework for Private Sector Engagement
  On 28 March 2019 the Operational Framework for Private Sector Engagement in Australia's Aid Program was released. The Operational Framework is an action plan to strengthen the Department's culture, capability and systems to engage with the private sector and improve the ease of business engagement with the Department.
  Read the Operational Framework for Private Sector Engagement
• Engaging the Private Sector
  Departmental guidance on how DFAT delivers effective development outcomes in partnership with the private sector to enhance Australia's economic and development outcomes through engagement with the private sector.
  Read the Guidance note for Engaging the Private Sector in Development
• DFAT and Private Sector Development
  Australia's aid policy framework reflects an increasing focus on the private sector as the source of economic growth, incomes and jobs. DFAT is working with partners to grow the size and inclusiveness of the private sector in our partner countries in order to drive economic growth and reduce poverty.
  Learn more about DFAT's private sector development initiatives
• Economic diplomacy
  The Foreign Policy White Paper places economic and commercial diplomacy at the forefront of Australia's international engagement. The Foreign Policy White Paper committed to enhancing global opportunities for Australian businesses: opportunities that will create more jobs, harness new technologies, and promote economic growth.
  Learn more about Australia's economic diplomacy
• Ministerial statement
  The Ministerial statement on Engaging the Private Sector in Aid and Development (31 August 2015).
  Creating shared value through partnership: Ministerial statement on engaging the private sector in aid and development
• The Development Committee for Enterprise Development (DCED)
  Australia supports the Development Committee for Enterprise Development (DCED). The DCED assists governments to work more strategically and systematically with business for development results.
  Learn more about private sector engagement strategies

More information

For further information, contact the Private Sector Partnerships Section at privatesector@dfat.gov.au

Our portfolio partners

The aid program is managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with links to other parts of the portfolio including Austrade, EFIC and ACIAR.

• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
  Advances Australia's national interest through maintaining its foreign, trade and investment interests, and delivering an effective aid program
   
• Australian Trade Commission (Austrade)
  Advances Australia's international trade, investment, education and tourism interests by providing information, advice and services
   
• Export Finance Australia
  An export credit agency partnering with banks to provide financial solutions for Australian businesses
   
• Australian Centre For International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
  Commissions research that leads to more productive and sustainable agriculture through collaborative projects involving Australia and developing country partners

Private sector partners

The Department partners with a diverse range of partners to deliver its private sector engagement programs.

• Global Compact Network Australia
  The GCNA represents Australian signatories to the United Nations Global Compact – the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative.