Recent News
First Nations International Engagement Strategy
During NAIDOC Week 2026, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade released its First Nations International Engagement Strategy. The Strategy supports Australia's commitment to drawing on all elements of our national power to strengthen partnerships in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, deepen economic ties and reinforce regional stability. Deep and authentic familial, cultural, trade and linguistic ties build respect and reciprocity, amplifying Australia's foreign policy, and delivering strategic, trade and multilateral results for all Australians.
Shaped by First Nations Australians, the Strategy reflects consultations with diverse First Nations stakeholders across peak bodies, businesses, community groups, and cultural experts, including many of you.
Grounded in the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and aligned with Closing the Gap priorities, it provides a practical framework to continue delivering outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and strengthening Australia's influence.
Trade 2040 Taskforce Report: Navigating Australia's Trading Future
The Trade 2040 Taskforce held its sixth meeting at Parliament House on 29 June, followed by the launch of its report, Towards 2040: Navigating Australia's Trading Future, by Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon. Don Farrell. The report examines global trade challenges and outlines a strategic pathway to support Australia's resilience and prosperity to 2040, with key themes including trade diversification, economic security, the net zero transition, Southeast Asia engagement, inclusive and fair trade (Pillar 5), which highlights the importance of broadening participation in trade and ensuring the benefits of trade and investment are shared across communities, including First Nations peoples, the rules-based trading system, and AI and digital trade.
DFAT Annual Peak Bodies Consultation
Representatives from peak bodies across Australia met at DFAT's Annual Peak Bodies Consultation on 30 June to discuss trade, economic and policy priorities. Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Hon. Matt Thistlethwaite MP, opened the forum with an overview of how Australia's trade policy is responding to emerging challenges. Discussions highlighted the importance of market diversification, AI and digital technologies, community trust, social license and inclusion, and strong government-industry collaboration in supporting Australia's future trade resilience and competitiveness.
New Video Series Released
DFAT has launched a series of short videos to promote the economic contribution of First Nations trade and investment activities.
- highlight the role of the pilot First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group,
- share practical advice (hints and tips) for First Nations businesses looking to export
- showcase opportunities arising from the Australia–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and the Australia-CEPA First Nations Action Plan.
Upcoming Events, Programs and Grant Opportunities
Calling for EOIs for Fintech and Cyber Mission to India (September 2026)
Austrade, in partnership with Fintech Australia, is proud to be hosting a Fintech and Cyber Security Mission to Mumbai, India, including attendance at Global Fintech Fest 2026 (conference held from 9 to 11 September). View more on the mission and register your interest by Friday, 7 August 2026.
Calling for EOIs for Business Mission to Beautyworld Dubai (October 2026)
Austrade invites Australian companies with capabilities across beauty and wellness to participate in their upcoming delegation to Beautyworld Dubai in the UAE from 6-8 October 2026. View more on the mission and register your interest by Friday, August 7 2026.
Supply Connect 2026
Supply Nation's annual flagship event, Supply Connect, heads west – to the lands of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation in Boorloo (Perth) from Tuesday, 11 to Wednesday, 12 August 2026.
WTO Public Forum 2026: Powering the Future
From 15-17 September 2026, the World Trade Organization will host its annual Public Forum. The Public Forum is the WTO's largest outreach event providing a unique opportunity for civil society, academia, business, and government stakeholders from around the world to discuss the latest developments in global trade and to propose new ways of enhancing the multilateral trading system. This year's Public Forum will look at the important role of services and digital trade for development, and as a driver of jobs and economic empowerment, particularly for women and young people. Registration is open until Friday, 21 August 2026.
Calling for EOIs for DigiTech Mission to India (November 2026)
Austrade in partnership with the Tech Council of Australia invites Australian companies with capabilities across technology and health to participate in their upcoming delegation to Bengaluru Tech Summit and Hyderabad in India from 16-20 November 2026. View more on the mission and register your interest by Monday, 31 August 2026.
Applications Open – First Nations Clean Energy Advice Grants
Applications for Round 1 of the First Nations Clean Energy Advice Grants are open until 5:00PM AEST on Thursday, 3 September 2026. 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.
Calling for submissions for General Review of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
DFAT is seeking submissions for Australia's input to the scheduled General Review of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the world's largest trade agreement between ASEAN, Australia, China, Japan, Korea and New Zealand.
The General Review will ensure RCEP, which entered into force in 2022, remains fit for purpose, responsive to emerging challenges, and reflective of evolving business needs through assessing RCEP's effectiveness, addressing challenges, and exploring potential improvements.
Please contact RCEP@dfat.gov.au with any queries. Submissions are due by Friday, 16 October 2026.
Say 'G'day Namaste' to India this December
Australia will showcase its strengths in trade, investment, education, innovation, sport and culture through G'Day Namaste 2026, a series of business, cultural and sporting events to be held across Mumbai, Chennai and New Delhi from 7–12 December.
The program will bring together Australian and Indian business leaders, government representatives and community audiences to celebrate the depth of the Australia–India relationship.
Further details on the program will be shared in upcoming editions of the Bulletin and on the Australian High Commission New Delhi's social media accounts on X (@AusHCIndia), Instagram (@AusHCIndia) and Facebook (Australia in India).
Go Global Toolkit
Check out Austrade's Go Global Toolkit for information, tools and support to grow your business globally, including the find export markets tool:
- Explore South Asia market insights, opportunities, and resources to support your business growth in this region.
- Use these tips to select markets and diversify your business strategically.
- Use the market search tool to look up your sector and find out what markets offer good prospects for Australian exports.
- Register to the Go Global Export Academy to get the latest exporting insights from around the globe.
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.