Trade at a Glance 2013
19 December 2013
Australia's two-way trade (exports and imports) has reached an all-time high, growing by 1.5 per cent to $623.8 billion (up from $614.5 billion in 2011).
The latest Trade at a Glance publication provides a summary of Australia's trade and economic performance.
Australia committed to Solomon Islands for the long-term
19 December 2013
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop reinforced Australia's enduring commitment to Solomon Islands as the country's main development, trade and security partner during her visit to Honiara. She said the visit was an opportunity to set the foundations for a stronger economic and strategic bilateral partnership.
More: Australia committed to Solomon Islands for the long-term
Trade statistical publications, 2012-13
18 December 2013
Australia's total export volumes grew by 6.0% in 2012-13 according to Composition of Trade, Australia 2012-13 and Trade in Primary and Manufactured Products 2012-13, two publications released today by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
- Media release: Australia's export volumes on the rise in 2012-13
New Colombo Plan Launch
10 December 2013
The New Colombo Plan 2014 pilot program was launched at Parliament House on 10 December 2013 by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Julie Bishop MP, in the presence of the Governor General, Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO, who is Patron of the initiative.
- More information: New Colombo Plan
- Media release: New Colombo Plan to transform relations with the region
Australia's response to Typhoon Haiyan
9 December 2013
The Australian Government will provide a further $10 million in humanitarian assistance to the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan, bringing Australia's total assistance package to $40 million.
- Media release: Australia boosts Typhoon Haiyan assistance
- Latest news: Australia's response to Typhoon Haiyan
- Photo gallery: Visit to the Philippines
Australia to increase support for refugees on the Thai–Burma border
10 December 2013
Australia will provide $8 million over the next two years to provide basic health and education services for refugees on the Thai–Burma border. The funding will also provide training and livelihood support to people in preparation for a safe and voluntary return home when conditions permit.
Australia to increase support for refugees on the Thai–Burma border
Nelson Mandela
6 December 2013
Nelson Mandela was one of the towering figures of the 20th century who will hold an enduring place alongside Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr as an advocate for human dignity and freedom.
Australia concludes FTA negotiations with the Republic of Korea
5 December 2013
Australia has concluded negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Republic of Korea, our third-largest goods export market and fourth-largest trading partner.
- Media release: Australia concludes FTA negotiations with the Republic of Korea
- Fact sheet: KAFTA - key outcomes
Foreign Minister visit to Indonesia
5 December 2013
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop led a high level delegation to Jakarta for broad-ranging discussions about the bilateral relationship.
- Media release: Visit to Indonesia, China and the Philippines
- Photo gallery: Visit to Indonesia, December 2013
- Transcript: Media conference with with Indonesian Foreign Minister Natalegawa
Consular Strategy 2014-16
3 December 2013
The Department is inviting public input into the development of a Consular Strategy for the period 2014-16. Public submissions can be made until 31 January 2014.
- Media release: Public comment sought on consular services
- Contribute: Consular Strategy 2014-16
Cairns Group meeting
2 December 2013
Trade and Investment Minister Andrew Robb promoted agricultural trade reform today while co-chairing the 38th Cairns Group Ministerial Meeting in Bali with his counterpart, Indonesia's Minister for Trade Gita Wirjawan.
- Media release: Robb backs Australian agriculture at Cairns Group meeting
- Photo gallery: Cairns Group Ministerial Meeting in Bali