Exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is the Australian Government's principal agency for advancing the nation’s international trade, investment, tourism, and education interests. Operating under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Austrade plays a critical role in shaping Australia's global economic engagement and positioning Australian enterprises in key international markets.

Agency Overview

Austrade was established in 1986 and operates as a statutory agency with a global network of offices across more than 60 international markets. Headquartered in Sydney, Austrade is tasked with helping Australian businesses expand internationally, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), facilitating the growth of international education, and supporting the country’s tourism strategy.

Austrade is also responsible for promoting Australia’s national brand, currently operating under the "Australia Unlimited" initiative, aimed at presenting Australia as a trusted and innovative trade and investment partner.

Core Functions and Services

Austrade delivers a broad range of services to both Australian and international stakeholders, including:

• Export Development and Market Entry Services

  • Facilitates entry into global markets for Australian exporters
  • Provides industry-specific insights and market intelligence
  • Helps with partner matchmaking and international networking

• Investment Attraction

  • Supports foreign investors in identifying Australian opportunities
  • Streamlines regulatory navigation and introductions to local networks
  • Offers support through the Global Australia Taskforce and Investment Specialists

• Tourism Policy and Strategy

  • Develops national tourism strategy and policies
  • Facilitates partnerships with Tourism Australia and state bodies
  • Supports the recovery and growth of the visitor economy

• International Education Promotion

  • Promotes Australia as a world-class education destination
  • Works with education providers to enhance global positioning
  • Engages with governments and industry to foster mobility programs

• Grants and Financial Support

  • Administers the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme
    • Supports small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in promotional expenses
    • Over 4,500 businesses received EMDG support in FY2022–23

Global Reach and Presence

Austrade operates in:

• 67 global locations including:
  • United States, United Kingdom, China, India, UAE, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil, and more
• 13 domestic offices across Australia
• Works closely with:
  • State and territory governments
  • Chambers of commerce
  • Local industry bodies

Strategic Focus Areas

Austrade's current strategic priorities include:

• Green Energy and Sustainability
  • Investment promotion in hydrogen and renewable energy sectors
• Agri-food and Advanced Manufacturing
  • Supporting global expansion of Australian agri-tech and value-added producers
• Digital Economy and Technology
  • Promoting Australia as a hub for fintech, medtech, and cyber security innovation
• Critical Minerals
  • Attracting international partners to develop Australia's rare earth and critical mineral capabilities

Key Metrics & Achievements

• Total FDI facilitated (FY2022–23): AUD 4.3 billion
• Exporters assisted: Over 15,000 Australian companies supported in their export journeys
• International students promoted: Australia remains 3rd globally in terms of international student enrollment
• Tourism engagement: Coordinated recovery measures post-COVID with over 1.4 million international visitor arrivals in early 2023

Digital Tools and Initiatives

Austrade offers an array of digital tools and resources to empower exporters and investors:

• Export Connect Portal
• Market Insights Dashboard
• Australia-Germany Hydrogen Innovation and Technology Incubator (HyGATE)
• Global Australia Investment Portal

These platforms help streamline access to intelligence, grants, and partnerships.

Certifications & Compliance

As a government statutory agency, Austrade operates under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 and adheres to strict standards of:

• Transparency
• Privacy and Data Security
• Internal Audit Compliance
• International Trade Law Compliance

Stakeholder Testimonials

"Austrade provided critical support in navigating export logistics and market requirements during our Asia expansion." – CEO, Australian Food Exporter

"The EMDG grant has been a game-changer in accelerating our brand's visibility in the U.S. market." – Marketing Director, Australian SaaS Startup

Major Achievements

• Key Role in Trade Agreements: Supported execution of FTAs with India (AI-ECTA), UK (A-UKFTA), and negotiations under CPTPP and ASEAN frameworks
• Tourism Recovery Programs: Administered AUD 200M recovery funding during post-pandemic reopening
• Australia’s Nation Brand Launch: Coordinated rebranding effort under "Australia Unlimited" to unify messaging across sectors

Summary

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) stands at the forefront of Australia's international economic engagement, providing mission-critical support to exporters, investors, and government partners. With a comprehensive suite of tools, grants, and advisory services, and a proven track record of results across trade, investment, tourism, and education, Austrade is an indispensable enabler of Australia's global growth.