Spotlight On… Australia's trade & investment portfolio agencies
Export Finance Australia: Australia's export credit agency
Export Finance Australia (EFA) is Australia's export credit agency, helping Australian businesses export, invest overseas and grow internationally through loans, guarantees and bonds. EFA also supports projects that strengthen Australia's economic resilience, including critical minerals, defence exports and infrastructure development in the Indo-Pacific.
To learn more about EFA's finance solutions or discuss a business's financing needs, contact EFA for a discussion or explore EFA's finance solutions.
Hicks Civil & Mining: Bonding support for growth
Aboriginal-owned business Hicks Civil & Mining is expanding its operations with support from EFA. EFA's bonding facility has helped the company secure larger contracts and unlock new growth opportunities without tying up working capital. A new case study on Hicks highlights how access to bonding support can help First Nations businesses grow, compete for major projects and create jobs. Read the full case study and watch the accompanying video.
Gajawari KW: Bonding solutions to secure major contracts
With support from EFA, majority Aboriginal-owned civil construction and earthworks company Gajawari KW, turned a breakthrough new $3.5 million contract into a thriving civil construction business based in Western Australia. A new case study on Gajawari KW highlights its progress. Read the full case study here.
Recent News
Strengthening Australia-New Zealand ties
The Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, recently met with New Zealand Minister for Trade and Investment, Hon Todd McClay, for the annual Closer Economic Relations Ministerial Meeting, highlighting the continued strength of the trans-Tasman trade and economic relationship. In a Joint Statement, Ministers recognised their shared commitment to growing Indigenous trade and investment as demonstrated in the Sustainable and Inclusive Trade Declaration (2023), reinforced through the recent Birrarung Statement (2025) and reaffirmed their joint commitment to implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA).
During the visit, Minister Farrell also visited the Bay of Islands, where he had the opportunity to meet local New Zealand tourism operators and hear how they are creating jobs, and attracting visitors in their communities.
Trans-Tasman partnership to channel Māori capital into Australia's Indigenous economy
Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) and Waikato-Tainui have formalised a landmark trans-Tasman partnership to grow Indigenous-led investment in Australia. The agreement will explore opportunities in critical minerals, mining and major infrastructure, strengthening Indigenous capital, leadership and economic growth across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
Wrap-up from Supply Nation's Connect event in Perth (11 – 12 August 2026)
Supply Nation's annual flagship Connect 2026 event took place this year in Boorloo/Perth on 11-12 August. Connect is Australia's largest and longest running business event for the Indigenous business sector, consisting of a Knowledge Forum, Indigenous Business Trade Show and Gala Dinner celebrating Indigenous business excellence announcing the winners of the Supplier Diversity Awards.
The event brought together leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers to celebrate progress in supplier diversity. Across the two-day event there were more than 4,500 attendees, over 230 exhibitors, and five international delegates came from New Zealand, the United States, Canada and Chinese Taipei.
Trade events at Supply Nation's Connect
In addition to the many business conversations held during Connect, EY held their Global First Nation breakfast where international visitors participated in a panel discussion "Building Indigenous Economies: Global Lessons for Commercial Growth". The WA state government's Department of Energy and Economic Diversification also hosted an export workshop featuring experienced Indigenous exporters and expert advice.
Supply Nation's Supplier Diversity Awards, Exporter of the Year Award
At Supply Nation's Supplier Diversity Awards, Kakadu Organics from Queensland were the winners of the Exporter of the Year award in a highly competitive field. Founded by Kylie-Lee Bradford, Kakadu Organics is taking Australian native foods and wellness products to global markets, while creating opportunities for female entrepreneurs and artists in rural and remote communities.
National Indigenous Fashion Awards
The National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA) in Darwin on 5 August 2026 included the Community Collaboration Award, which was won this year by an international collaboration between Bábbarra Women's Centre, in the remote community of Maningrida, and India's Tharangini Studio. This category recognises strong, two-way relationships between First Nations communities and the textile and fashion industry. Read more here.
Launch of DFAT Trade Talk on LinkedIn
DFAT has launched DFAT Trade Talk on LinkedIn.
Trade Talk will share the latest trade news, policy updates and insights, including highlighting First Nations trade and investment opportunities and outcomes, providing a valuable resource for First Nations stakeholders to stay informed about Australia's trade and investment agenda.
Follow the channel and share with your network.
We also welcome opportunities to collaborate. If your organisation has relevant trade-related news, events, initiatives or success stories, we encourage you to get in touch via email trade@dfat.gov.au. We're keen to explore opportunities to highlight content that may be of interest to the broader trade community.
Sixth meeting of the pilot First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group
The sixth meeting of the pilot First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group was held virtually on 17 September 2026, chaired by the Ambassador for First Nations People, Mr Justin Mohamed. Members discussed current trade and investment priorities with representatives from DFAT and Austrade and received a presentation from IP Australia on Australia's intellectual property framework and the World Intellectual Property Organization's Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge, including its implications for protecting First Nations traditional knowledge. The meeting also included an exchange with a representative from the Future Drought Fund First Nations Advisory Group on the role of First Nations advisory bodies across government, focusing on governance, mandates, engagement approaches and mechanisms for providing effective advice to government.
Upcoming Submissions, Grants and International Opportunities
Closing Soon - EOIs for BIOFACH Germany (February 2027)
Join Team Organic Australia at BIOFACH 2027, the world's leading organic trade fair. Austrade in partnership with Australian Organic Limited invites premium Australian organic food, beverages and products to meet with international buyers, importers, distributors, retailers, food manufacturers, and certification bodies. Learn more and express your interest by Thursday, 1 October 2026.
Closing Soon - EOIs for Cosmoprof 2027 in Bologna, Italy (March 2027)
Austrade is proud to lead a Team Australia business delegation in partnership with Amplified Beauty's A-Beauty Export Program to Cosmoprof 2027 in Bologna, Italy from 18-21 March 2027. This event will provide Australian beauty and wellness brands with tailored business matching and networking opportunities. Austrade has secured a 160sqm space to establish a Nation branded Australia pavilion with a dedicated zone to highlight Indigenous-owned businesses. Learn more and express your interest by Thursday, 1 October 2026.
Closing soon - EOIs for Australia Clean Energy Delegation to South Asia (October 2026)
Join the Team Australia Clean Energy Delegation to India and Bangladesh from 22 to 27 October 2026, connecting export-ready Australian clean energy companies with partners and buyers. Team Australia's third edition of leading a delegation of clean energy companies to two of South Asia's most significant growth markets. Learn more and express your interest by Friday, 2 October 2026.
Closing soon - EOIs for Gulfood, Dubai (March 2027)
Austrade invites Australian companies with capabilities across packaged food, dairy, horticulture, functional food & beverages and more to participate in our upcoming delegation to Gulfood in Dubai, UAE from 15 to 19 March 2027. Learn more and express your interest by Friday, 9 October 2026.
Calling for applications - Innovate with nbn® Grants Program Now Open – Connecting Regional Businesses to Power Progress
Applications for the 2026 Innovate with nbn® Grants Program are now open.
Delivered in partnership with the Regional Australia Institute, the program is celebrating its seventh year of supporting regional businesses that are using the nbn® network to drive innovation, improve productivity, and create meaningful social and economic outcomes in their communities.
With $125,000 in grant funding available across seven categories, including the new Innovation for Productivity category, the program champions the ideas, resilience and ingenuity of regional businesses.
Category winners will each receive $15,000, with an additional $20,000 awarded to the overall 2026 Innovate with nbn® Champion.
Applications close at midnight on Monday, 12 October 2026. If you've applied before and weren't successful, you're encouraged to apply again.
Closing soon - EOIs for Australia-India Sports Industry Summit (December 2026)
Austrade in partnership with the state government, and the Australian Sports Technology Network invites Australian companies with capabilities across sports technology, education and infrastructure and nutrition to participate in the Australia-India Sports Industry Summit in India from 7 to 10 December 2026. Learn more and express your interest by Thursday, 15 October 2026 .
Calling for submissions for the General Review of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
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.
Take Your Business to the World: Austrade Opportunities for 2027
Looking to grow your business internationally in 2027? Austrade has opened expressions of interest for a range of international trade missions and exhibitions, creating opportunities for businesses to connect with global buyers, partners and new markets.
Early 2027 highlights include
- AusMedTech South Asia Delegation (2-3 March, Sydney)
- AAHAR Processed Food Delegation (2-6 March, New Delhi)
Whether you are in food and beverage, health, beauty, technology or another export-ready sector, these opportunities can help you build international connections, gain market insights and showcase your products and services on the global stage.
If you're considering exporting or expanding internationally, now is the time to start planning. Visit the Austrade Events Portal to learn more and submit an expression of interest.
Calling for EOIs for Be Spirits, France (February 2027)
Austrade and state government partners invite Australian spirits producers to join the Australian booth at Be Spirits 2027 in Paris, a leading international trade event for the global spirits industry, attracting buyers, distributors, retailers and hospitality professionals. Learn more and express your interest.
Calling for registrations for Seafood Expo Global, Spain (April 2027)
Austrade invites Australian seafood exporters to join the Australia Stand at Seafood Expo Global 2027 in Barcelona, one of Europe's largest seafood trade shows. Delivered with Seafood Industry Australia and supported by the Government of Western Australia. Learn more and register if interested.
Upcoming Events and Webinars
Go Global Export Academy webinars
Explore Austrade's Export Academy webinars. You can book to join the experts live or watch on-demand at a time that suits you. All you need to book is a free account.
Export Essentials: Identifying Your Export Opportunities
Interested in Southeast Asia?
Austrade and Asialink Business are launching an eight-part webinar series designed to help Australian businesses tap into some of the region's most exciting and fast-growing markets. Hear directly from industry leaders, market experts and Australian exporters who have successfully navigated the region, some of the topics covering opportunities in sectors such as mining in the Philippines, METS in Indonesia and the green economy in Thailand.
Keep an eye on the Go Global Toolkit for upcoming dates, registration details, and your chance to gain practical insights into doing business across Southeast Asia.
Indigenous Business Month (1 – 31 October)
Indigenous Business Month is a month-long celebration and showcase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, highlighting their innovation, excellence, economic independence and self-determination.
For Indigenous Business Month in October 2026, Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) is running a series of virtual workshops and information sessions centered around this year's theme: Local and Connected. For more information refer to the IBA's upcoming workshops.
Yarpa Workshop: How to Develop a Capability Statement
Learn how to create a professional, compelling capability statement that clearly demonstrates your business capabilities, experience and value proposition. The workshop is on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, and is available in person and online. Please register if interested.
Yarpa Workshop: Perfecting Your Pitch Workshop
Learn how to communicate your business strengths, differentiate yourself from competitors and make a lasting impression when speaking with buyers. The workshop is on Wednesday, 14 October 2026 and is available in person and online. Please register if interested.
Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference 2026 (3 – 5 November)
The AITC 2026 will be held over 3 days from 3-5 November in Perth will explore current and emerging trends in travel and tourism, with a strong focus on the innovation, leadership and cultural strength driving Aboriginal tourism forward.
South Australia: 2026 First Nations Business Showcase (4 November)
In South Australia, The Circle – First Nations Entrepreneur Hub will hold on 4 November the 2026 First Nations Business Showcase in partnership with the National Wine Centre of Australia and the National Indigenous Australians Agency. This showcase brings together a curated selection of First Nations-owned businesses from across South Australia.
First Nations & the Energy Transition Forum (30 November – 1 December)
The First Nations & The Energy Transition Forum will be held in Perth from 30 November – 1 December. The Forum will address energy security and explore the role First Nations communities have in Australia's transition to clean energy.
Creative Australia: First Nations Protocols Consultation Series and ICIP Workshops.
Creative Australia have engaged Parallax Legal to deliver a series of workshops and consultations focused on Creative Australia's Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts and Digital Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP). For information refer to the Creative Australia website.