Spotlight On… Australia's trade & investment portfolio agencies
Austrade: Export Advice and Support
Austrade is the Australian Government's trade and investment agency helping Australian businesses seeking information on exporting, international markets, and export capability development. Businesses can access free advice, export resources and market information by calling 13 28 78 within Australia, submitting an enquiry through Austrade's enquiry service or exploring the Go Global Toolkit.
Navigating supply chain disruption: Funday keeps products on UAE shelves
Austrade shares how Australian confectionary brand Funday worked closely with its UAE distributor to keep products on shelves through supply chain disruption.
Expert insights: Reaching UK and European markets as routes evolve
Austrade shares insights into how free trade agreements and shipping conditions are shaping opportunities for exporters.
Recent News
Garma Festival (31 July – 3 August)
The Garma Festival held on Yolŋu Country in northeast Arnhem Land is Australia's largest Indigenous festival. This year's theme, Bukmak (‘everybody'), celebrated culture and its ability to bring people together through shared purpose. At the 2026 Garma Festival, the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon Penny Wong hosted a delegation of leaders from across the Pacific, alongside Head of the Office of the Pacific Elizabeth Peak and Ambassador for First Nations People Justin Mohamed. Timor-Leste Prime Minister Gusmão also attended the Garma Festival as a guest of the Yothu Yindi Foundation. Minister Wong highlighted the power of First Nations diplomacy: “At a time of global contest and uncertainty, we have seen that First Nations diplomacy is a source of strategic national advantage. It cannot be replicated or emulated and we have seen through our work that including First Nations culture and knowledge and connections in our diplomacy benefits all Australians.” TheFirst Nations International Engagement Strategy reinforces this commitment.
Australia Awards at the Garma Festival
Seven Australia Awards scholars participated in the First Nations Cultural Immersion to Garma Festival, providing a unique on-award enrichment experience, enabling meaningful connection and two-way knowledge exchange with First Nations peoples, perspectives and priorities. Refer to Instagram and Facebook. The longstanding contribution of Australia's scholarships program (formerly known as the Colombo Plan) has been deepening engagement and understanding of Australia with the Indo-Pacific region over seven decades.
Introduction of the Trade and Investment Agreements (Consultation) Bill 2026
On 1 July, the Government introduced the Trade and Investment Agreements (Consultation) Bill 2026 to ensure Australia's trade policy continues to reflect diverse voices from across the Australian community. The Bill would introduce a framework for the negotiation, consultation and review of Australia's free trade agreements (FTAs), including establishing a new Trade Advisory Group to advise the Minister for Trade and Tourism during the negotiation of new FTAs and their amendments.
WAITOC and Edith Cowan University Report Launch
On 25 August, Assistant Minister for Tourism Senator the Hon Nita Green attended the launch of Ancient Cultures Meet: A Roadmap for Growing Chinese Participation in First Nations Tourism. The roadmap, which was developed by Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC) and Edith Cowan University, identifies practical opportunities to increase Chinese visitor engagement, strengthen the China-readiness of First Nations tourism experiences, and support coordinated action across government and industry.
Indigenous Investment Partnership Expands Opportunities Across the Tasman
On 11 August 2026, Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) and Waikato-Tainui, one of New Zealand's largest Māori investment groups, announced a new partnership to explore investment opportunities in Australia's Indigenous economy. Together representing more than A$4.4 billion in Indigenous-owned assets, the organisations will collaborate on investment, capability-building and knowledge-sharing, with a focus on funds, critical minerals, infrastructure and Indigenous-led development opportunities. The partnership aims to strengthen Indigenous economic self-determination and attract new sources of Indigenous capital into Australia.
First Nations Women in Business Program launches
IBA is developing the First Nations Women in Business Coaching Program to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to start, grow, and sustain successful businesses. Stay connected with the latest opportunities, updates, and announcements about the First Nation Women in Business Coaching Program by signing up to the First Nations Women in Business Coaching Program Mailing List.
Other News in August
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Science Day was celebrated on Tuesday, 18 August during National Science Week.
- Check out this BBC article on How Australia combines modern tech and Indigenous knowledge to fight fire.
- The United Nations' International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples was observed on 9 August annually, and the theme for 2026 was Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being".
Upcoming Submissions, Grants and International Opportunities
Closing Soon - 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.
Closing Soon - EOIs for Quantum Mission to Europe (October to November 2026)
Austrade, Quantum Australia and UniQuest, invite Australian quantum companies to submit an EOI to join the Quantum Mission Europe 2026. Anchored around the UK National Quantum Showcase, one of Europe's premier quantum industry events attracting more than 2,000 international researchers, investors, corporates and government stakeholders, the mission has been designed to accelerate commercial engagement between Australian quantum companies and researchers and Europe's leading quantum ecosystems. Learn more and express your interest by Thursday, 3 September 2026.
Closing Soon - EOIs for BIOFACH Germany (February 2027)
EOIs are closing soon for Australian certified organic and export-ready businesses to join Team Organic Australia at BIOFACH 2027, the world's leading trade fair for organic food. BIOFACH brings together global buyers, distributors, retailers and organic industry leaders, offering a valuable opportunity to showcase your products, build international partnerships and explore new export opportunities. Learn more and express your interest by Friday, 4 September 2026.
Closing Soon - EOIs for Green Economy Mission to Thailand (November 2026)
Austrade, through the Southeast Asia Business Exchange (SEABX) and in partnership with the Smart Energy Council (SEC) and the Renewable Energy Council Asia-Pacific (RECAP), invites you to join a high-impact mission to Sustainability Expo (SX) 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The mission provides Australian exporters with a platform to showcase their capabilities across key sustainability and clean energy sectors, explore commercial opportunities, strengthen market knowledge and connect with Thai industry leaders, government agencies and potential business partners in one of Southeast Asia's leading sustainability markets. Learn more and express your interest by Friday, 4 September 2026.
First Nations Clean Energy Projects: Pilot Grants
First Nations organisations can soon apply for a share of up to $10 million in grant funding to help advance their clean energy projects as part of the Australian Government's $70 million commitment to implement ‘Goal 3: Achieve economic benefits for First Nations peoples' of the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy 2024–30.
The First Nations Clean Energy Projects Pilot Grants will support up to two eligible First Nations organisations to help move projects with an expected capacity over 1MW beyond feasibility towards financial close. They aim to support projects with First Nations leadership, decision-making and participation, and the potential to generate long-term financial returns and community benefits for First Nations peoples.
The Pilot Grants can help with project engineering design, construction plans and schedules, commercial and contract negotiations, community benefit planning and other relevant project activities.
Applications open on Tuesday, 1 September 2026 and will close on Monday, 28 September 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 Austrade's 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 Wednesday, 30 September 2026.
Calling for 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.
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.
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.
Explore how you can leverage the trusted Australian Made logo to strengthen your brand, build buyer confidence, and enhance your market positioning overseas on Tuesday, 1 September from 12:00PM.
Export Essentials: Identifying Your Export Opportunities
Join Austrade's free 5-part series designed to support Australian businesses learn how to evaluate commercial viability and use AI as a strategic thinking partner:
- Part 1 - Learn about using AI-assisted insight to evaluate export opportunities on Tuesday, 1 September from 12:00PM.
- Part 2 - Use customer intelligence and AI insights to separate genuine opportunities from costly distractions on Tuesday, 8 September from 12:00PM.
- Part 3 - Use AI-enabled market intelligence to spot tomorrow's export opportunities before your competitors do on Tuesday, 15 September from 12:00PM.
- Part 4 - Combine AI-powered analysis with commercial judgement to make better export decisions on Tuesday, 22 September from 12:00PM.
- Part 5 - Use AI-assisted prioritisation to focus on the markets you can win today while planning for tomorrow's growth on Tuesday, 29 September from 12:00PM.
World Trade & Tech Day
The WTO will also host the World Trade & Tech Day on 14 September 2026. Titled AI and Trade: Turning Potential into Progress, the program will explore the ways in which AI will transform international trade, and how governments can capture its gains. The WTO's 2025 World Trade Report: Making trade and AI work together to the benefit of allprojects that AI could increase global GDP by up to 13% and global trade by up to 37% by 2040. Yet these gains are far from guaranteed. They hinge on addressing uneven adoption, labour market disruptions, and the unequal distribution of benefits.
Do you have views on the market intelligence available on the WTO website? We are seeking private sector experiences and recommendations to help shape practical improvements to WTO transparency and notifications. Please complete this survey by 20 September.
WTO Public Forum 2026
From 15-17 September 2026, the World Trade Organization will host its annual Public Forum, the organisation's largest outreach event. The Forum provides 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.
Unlocking opportunities under Australia-EU FTA: cosmetics and beauty
Join Austrade, the Export Council of Australia and A-Beauty Export to explore market access opportunities under the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement for Australian beauty and cosmetics exporters on Tuesday, 22 September 2026 from 5:00PM.
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