Recent News
Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation
Australian First Nations business leaders embarked on a trade mission to New Zealand in late March under the auspices of the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA). The Australian delegation was led by IPETCA Co-Chair Ms Leah Armstrong and Indigenous Representative on the IPETCA Partnership Council Mr Damien Barnes. First Nations business representatives Ms Sharon Brindley, Mr Cameron Costello, and Mr Joshua Gilbert joined the program, which supported knowledge sharing and trade connections across sustainable tourism, agriculture and renewable energy between Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei and New Zealand.
Australia recently assumed the chairing role of IPETCA for 2026-2027, taking over from inaugural chair Aotearoa New Zealand. As a symbol of the leadership role that Indigenous Peoples and governments play in supporting trade and economic outcomes, Aotearoa New Zealand gifted a Tuituia Māori carving to Australia to be held during Australia’s term as chair of IPETCA.
IPETCA is a non-binding cooperation-based arrangement to strengthen the economic empowerment of Indigenous Peoples. The first Partnership Council meeting for 2026 was held on 3 March 2026, with the participation of founding members Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei and New Zealand. For more information on IPETCA please contact Australia.IPETCA@dfat.gov.au.
Launch of the WTO E-Commerce Agreement
Australia, together with Japan and Singapore, led 66 WTO Members, covering approximately 70 per cent of global trade, to adopt a pathway to bring the WTO Agreement on Electronic Commerce into force. The Agreement was launched on the sidelines of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon on 28 March.
The E-Commerce Agreement will make digital trade faster, cheaper and more secure, streamlining processes and reducing costs in contracts, invoicing and payments conducted around the world. It will provide a platform for global cooperation in areas like privacy and cyber security, making global online marketplaces safer and simpler and will support the development of more effective regulations to protect consumers and personal data online.
Small and micro First Nations businesses in remote locations can be disproportionately impacted by cross-border regulatory barriers. This agreement will help regional and remote businesses to access international markets more easily, safely and securely. It will also support developing countries to share fully in the benefits of the digital economy and bolster stability and predictability for businesses and consumers around the world.
For more information see the press release on the DFAT website: Joint press release - Adoption of the WTO Agreement on E-Commerce with interim arrangements
Upcoming Events, Programs and Grant Opportunities
Reminder: First Nations Trade and Investment CEO and Director Network
DFAT is seeking expressions of interest from First Nations business leaders interested in joining the First Nations Trade and Investment CEO and Director Network.
The Network is a key outcome under pillar two of the Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement First Nations Action Plan, which was launched in November 2025.
The Network will build and strengthen cultural and business relationships between First Nations business leaders and international stakeholders, including business leaders in Asia and the Middle East.
The Network will:
- Promote First Nations trade and investment interests internationally
- Help inform domestic understanding of international trade and investment opportunities.
Members of the Network will have opportunities to attend trade and investment related events in Australia, particularly related to key regions including Asia and the Middle East, and receive information about major events overseas that might be of interest.
If you are a CEO or Director and would like to join, please fill in the following form to express your interest: First Nations Trade and Investment CEO and Director Network - Expression of Interest.
Applications Open for Australian Export Awards – First Nations Category
Applications are now open for the 64th Australian Export Awards! Presented by Austrade in close partnership with states and territories, the Australian Export Awards is Australia’s longest running export awards program. Introduced last year, the First Nations category recognises the outstanding international success of First Nations businesses operating in any industry who have been exporting for 3 years or more.
At a challenging time in global trade, Australia’s exporters remain remarkably resilient. The awards program recognises how our exporters, working in partnership with governments at all levels, are successfully navigating those challenges.
If you need help preparing your application you can register for one of Austrade’s workshops for assistance with the application process, including using the new portal and tips on how to write a standout application. You can also check out the application preview or tips for applying or our frequently asked questions.
First Nations Clean Energy Advice Grants Now Open
Applications are now open for Round 1 of the First Nations Clean Energy Advice Grants. These small-scale grants, ranging from $5,000 to $80,000, can be used for training, planning and professional advice on clean energy projects and development. They are designed to assist First Nations organisations and groups to build skills, confidence and knowledge in the sector, and are part of the Australian Government’s First Nations Clean Energy Strategy 2024–30.
Applications close at 5:00pm AEST on Thursday, 3 September 2026 or when funding is exhausted.
Email fnces@dcceew.gov.au to subscribe to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)’s First Nations Clean Energy Strategy Newsletter.
Recent and Upcoming Webinars
Austrade Go Global Toolkit
Austrade has made the following resources available to businesses to navigate the challenges and leverage opportunities in the current trade environment. A free Go Global Toolkit account is required to participate in webinars or to view recordings of previous webinars:
- Staying engaged with Middle East customers: With recent developments in the Middle East, close collaboration with current and prospective clients, as well as partners in the region, is essential. View this recent webinar for tips and insights for managing communication amid these disruptions and how businesses can stay flexible, featuring Bryony Hilless, Consul General Dubai and Austrade General Manager Middle East, Mounir Sankary, Deputy Consul General and Trade and Investment Commissioner, Dubai, Brandon Reynolds, Chief Operating Officer, The Yoghurt Shop, and Maria Luisa Panzica La Manna, Chief Commercial Officer, Country Hil.
- Australia-EU FTA opportunities: on 24 March 2026, Australia and the European Union (EU) concluded negotiations for the Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement (A-EU FTA), creating new opportunities for Australians to export their goods and services to a high-income market of around 450 million consumers.
- Deep tech opportunities in Europe: watch this webinar recording for practical guidance on expanding into Europe for deep tech companies working in AI and automation, market entry channels, regulatory considerations.
- Middle East updates and support: view recent industry briefings and blogs for businesses impacted by the ongoing developments in the Middle East.
- Middle East update – global freight and logistics: view this recent webinar with Austrade and international trade and logistics experts for an overview of impacts on freight and logistics networks due to recent developments in the Middle East.
- Decarbonising commercial assets in Singapore: view this recent webinar on Singapore’s decarbonisation, current gaps and emerging opportunities for Australian businesses in the commercial and urban infrastructure sector.