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Broadening horizons for Australian businesses - Department of Foreign Affairs and ...
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE • JULY 2021

        Broadening
            horizons
       for Australian
         businesses
                     The Hon Dan Tehan MP
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment

             Inking a world-leading FTA:
                      Breakthrough in the
       Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement
                             negotiations

                 The Business Olympics:
                    Expo 2020 Dubai UAE

                  Connecting DFAT’s diplomatic network to Australian business
Broadening horizons for Australian businesses - Department of Foreign Affairs and ...
Contents                                                                                                                               Trade expansion and diversification –
                                                                                                                                       broadening horizons for Australian businesses

Trade expansion and diversification
– broadening horizons for              3
Australian businesses                      Every business                                                                                                                                                                   This edition of business envoy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            considers some of these issues
Inking a world-leading FTA:                understands the                                                                                                                                                                  in greater depth and explores the
Breakthrough in the Australia-UK       4   importance of having a                                                                                                                                                           programs, services and resources
Free Trade Agreement negotiations                                                                                                                                                                                           available to support you through your
                                           diversity of customers.                                                                                                                                                          business’ expansion and diversification
Agribusiness Expansion Initiative      5   Diversity offers greater                                                                                                                                                         journey, no matter what stage you
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            are at:
Asialink: Australia’s trade
                                           protections against
engagement for a post-Covid world
                                       6   changes in circumstances                                                                                                                                                         •   We take a look at the new market
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                opportunities that the prospective
Australia-Philippine Ties:
                                           because you’re not reliant                                                                                                                                                           Australia-UK free trade agreement
A Promising Future for Trade          8    on one or a handful of                                                                                                                                                               will deliver.
and Investment
                                           customers.                                                                                                                                                                       •   Former Group CEO, Asialink,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Penny Burtt discusses
Reaching for the Stars: Australian                                                                                                                                                                                              the importance of market
firm introducing green hydrogen       10   The Morrison Government is being                                                                                                                                                     diversification for businesses
technology to the Philippines              proactive in finding new trading                                                                                                                                                     navigating a post-pandemic world
                                           opportunities for Australian exporters,                                                                                                                                              and market opportunities in the
Diversifying Australia’s energy            as well as supporting them to reach
                                      11                                                                                                                                                                                        Indo-Pacific.
infrastructure: Hydrogen Technology        new markets.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            •   We profile Indo-Pacific markets like
Go West – The case for                     We recently announced an Agreement                                                                                                                                                   Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines
                                      12
moving into the Indian market              in Principle to sign the Australia-United                                                                                                                                            and India.
                                           Kingdom Free Trade Agreement. The                                                                                                                                                •   We explain Government trade and
Success in India: Acusensus’ Story    13   UK will liberalise Australian imports                                                                                                                                                investment policies, such as the
                                           with 99 per cent of Australian goods,                                                                                                                                                Global Resources Strategy, Export
Australian opportunities                   including Australian wine and short                                                                                                                                                  Finance support mechanisms,
                                      14
abound in Latin America                    and medium grain milled rice, entering                                                                                                                                               and the Agribusiness Expansion
                                           the UK duty free when the agreement                                                                                                                                                  Initiative.
Japan export feature                  16   enters into force. That means
                                           Australia’s high-quality products will be                                                                                                                                        Working together to expand and
                                           even more competitive.                                                                                                                                                           diversify Australia’s exports will not
True South Seafood:
                                      17                                                                                                                                                                                    only broaden our trade horizons but
a sea urchin pivot                         Under our Government, trade                                                                                                                                                      contribute to building a stronger and
                                           covered by free trade agreements                                                                                                                                                 more resilient economy, creating more
Indonesia: Australia’s
                                      18   has increased from 28 per cent to           international customers through                  We are working to enhance                  understand and navigate the risks and    jobs and benefiting all Australians.
international education sector
                                           around 70 per cent, and with the            trade liberalisation is just one way the         Australia’s interests in the World         explore new market opportunities as      With thanks to all our contributors,
Trade Diversification                      Australia-UK FTA it will grow to 75 per     Morrison Government is supporting                Trade Organization, G20, APEC and          your operations expand. And this is      I hope you enjoy this edition and find
                                      19   cent. We are also working on a free
of Australian Exports                                                                  diversification.                                 OECD. And we work to strengthen            alongside dedicated assistance for       it useful in your own efforts to take
                                           trade deal with the European Union                                                           key bilateral relationships, and tackle    Australian business—including through    Australia to the world.
An improved EDMG is here                   and exploring opportunities in the Indo-    Our Government is also working to
                                      19                                                                                                existing non-tariff measures, to           Austrade’s services; the Export Market
to help Australian exporters               Pacific, Israel and with more countries     strengthen and enhance the rules-
                                                                                                                                        ensure business is well placed to take     Development Grants (EMDG) program;
                                           in Europe.                                  based global trading system which                                                                                                    The Hon Dan Tehan MP
                                                                                                                                        advantage of opportunities.                and loans, bonds and guarantees
Global Resources Strategy             20                                               ensures protection for Australian                                                                                                    Minister for Trade, Tourism and
                                           Creating more opportunities for                                                                                                         through Export Finance Australia—
                                                                                       business against unfair practices.               We are also providing market                                                        Investment
                                           Australian exporters to reach                                                                                                           which all play a key role.
International co-operation at                                                                                                           intelligence to help you better
the heart of trade openness           21
and diversification

Global Insights: Dispatches from
                                      22
Australia’s global network
                                             On the cover
Focus on investment                   23
                                                    The Visitor
                                            Experience Tunnel                                                                           @DFAT_TradeTalk provides the latest on
From our State and Territory
network
                                      24         by Josh Muir,                                                                          Australia’s trade and investment policies,
                                            Australian Pavilion,                                                                        market insights, and economic statistics.
The Business Olympics:
Expo 2020 Dubai UAE
                                      26     Expo2020, Dubai.                                                                           Follow us to find out how our work can
                                             Story on page 26                                                                           benefit all Australians.

2   business envoy                                                                          Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade    Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade                                                                       business envoy   3
Broadening horizons for Australian businesses - Department of Foreign Affairs and ...
Inking a world-leading FTA: Breakthrough in                                                                                     Agribusiness Expansion Initiative:
    the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement negotiations                                                                              Helping Australian agribusinesses expand and
                                                                                                                                    diversify their export markets through improved
                                                                                                                                    access to market intelligence

                                         The mid-June 2021 announcement by Prime Ministers
                                         Morrison and Johnson of an agreement in principle on
                                         the core elements of a bilateral free trade agreement
                                         will guide the negotiations to successful conclusion
                                         over the coming months.
                                         The UK was Australia’s fifth-largest goods trading partner in 2020, with two-
                                         way goods trade valued at $21.9 billion. Under the Australia-UK Free Trade
                                         Agreement (FTA), Australia’s businesses stand to benefit with 99 per cent of
                                         exported Australian goods (by value) being able to enter the UK tariff-free after
                                         the agreement enters into force. This gives our exporters a key competitive
                                         edge boosting opportunity for entry or expansion into the UK market. Tariffs on
                                         remaining goods will be liberalised over time. Lower import tariffs on UK products
                                         coming into Australia, including cars, confectionery and whisky, may see these
                                         products become more affordable for Australian consumers due to downward                   As part of the Australian Government $72.7 million                                   Recent Insights articles informed
                                         pressure on prices.                                                                                                                                                             by Agriculture Counsellor reporting
                                                                                                                                    Agribusiness Expansion Initiative (ABEI), the Australian                             include:
                      Elisabeth Bowes    In 2020, the UK was Australia’s third-largest services trading partner, with two-          Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and the                                   •   Tariff reductions assisting
                                         way trade worth $9.9 billion. The FTA will provide better access to the UK Market,
                      Chief Negotiator   opening up still more opportunities for Australian services business and                   Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment                                     Australian agricultural exports to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Thailand
                                         investors to grow and expand. Other commitments will ensure the impartiality,              are helping Australian agribusinesses expand and
                                         transparency, and responsiveness of UK regulators. As with all agreements,                                                                                                      •   Extended shelf-life for chilled,
                                         the UK-FTA will include safeguards and carve-outs that will preserve the                   diversify their export markets.                                                          vacuum-packed beef and sheep-
                                         Government’s ability to regulate in sensitive sectors and provide pubic services.                                                                                                   meat exports to Saudi Arabia
                                                                                                                                    This includes scaled-up export support for Australian agri-food exporters through    •   Sri Lanka’s rule changes mean
                                         The FTA will also include provisions that will open up new e-commerce
                                                                                                                                    Austrade’s support services; greater access to market intelligence; matched              fresh opportunities for grain, pulse
                                         opportunities across all sectors of the Australian economy, as well as
                                                                                                                                    grants for government and industry associations to work together on market               and oilseed exporters
                                         commitments that enable cross-border data flows, appropriate protections for
                                                                                                                                    expansion; and additional technical experts to open and expand market access.
                                         consumers and flexibility for legitimate public policy objectives.                                                                                                              •   Seafood exports to Taiwan to be
                                                                                                                                    Visit Agribusiness Expansion Initiative for more information and obtain                  streamlined under new systems
                                         The Australia-UK FTA will provide more opportunities for people to work and live
                                                                                                                                    Austrade Insights at www.austrade.gov.au/news/insights for the latest market             recognition arrangements
                                         in the UK and Australia. For example, businesses will have more certainty that
                                                                                                                                    intelligence.                                                                        •   Argentina introduces quota limits
                                         they can hire people from either country. Younger Australians will have more ways
                                         to visit and work in the UK. Australia will remove the sectoral work requirement           Systems investment under the market intelligence component of ABEI has                   on beef exports
                                         for UK nationals in our Working Holiday Maker program.                                     enabled improved information collection and processing, with a focus on              •   ‘Eco-score’ labelling hits the
                                                                                                                                    industry-relevant data from the Australian Government’s network of Agriculture           shelves in Europe
                                         For more information on the negotiations and the anticipated benefits of the free
                                                                                                                                    Counsellors.
                                                    trade agreement, visit: dfat.gov.au/aukfta. Further details associated                                                                                               For updates on recent market
                                                    with Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement will become available after              Agriculture Counsellors are Australian Government representatives located in         intelligence products as they are
                                                      the negotiations conclude.                                                    Embassies, High Commissions (and one Trade Commission) around the world.             released, visit the Market Intelligence
                                                                                                                                    They promote Australia’s agricultural interests, and help our agricultural sector    section of the ABEI webpage.
                                                                                                                                    grow. Agriculture Counsellor locations and contact details can be found at
                                                                                                                                    Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE).
                                                                                                                                    ABEI is seeking to improve industry access to the market intelligence collected
                                                                                                                                    by the Agriculture Counsellor network. DAWE and Austrade are collaborating to
                                                                                                                                    publish articles based on Agriculture Counsellor reporting through Austrade’s
                                                                                                                                    Insights portal. Insights are short, actionable pieces of information that include
                                                                                                                                    a recommendation for Australian exporters. The Insights publishing platform
                                                                                                                                    complements the rich connections that already exist between Agriculture
                                                                                                                                    Counsellors and Australian industry.

4   business envoy                                                                       Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade   Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade                                                                         business envoy   5
Broadening horizons for Australian businesses - Department of Foreign Affairs and ...
Winning
                                      Diversify, digitise and deepen:                                                                                                                     in Asia
                                                                                                                                                                                          Creating long-term value

                                      Australia’s trade engagement                                                                                                                         A SPECIAL REPORT

                                      for a post-Covid world

                                      Economies around the world are emerging from                                               and 3.3 per cent and 4.4 per cent in
                                                                                                                                 Japan and Indonesia respectively).                                                                  GRO
                                      COVID-19 at differing speeds with uneven economic                                          China remains the largest trading                                                                   WIT WING
                                      growth. Facing a more complex regional landscape,                                          partner of over 120 countries – many of                                                                H AS
                                                                                                                                 them in our region. Chinese consumer
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Supported by

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             IA
                                      many organisations are increasingly considering how
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Deve
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             lopin
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Aust         g Asi
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         a Ca
                                                                                                                                 demand continues to grow apace.                                                                           ralian
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Busin       pabil
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         esses ity in
                                      to diversify for a post-pandemic world. Unlocking                                          Sectors of the Australian economy, like                                                            DISC
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        USS
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ION
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 PAP
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ER
                                                                                                                                 mining, remain deeply interlinked with     health is giving rise to diverse
                                      opportunities in the Indo-Pacific will remain key to                                       China. The size of the Chinese market      opportunities for Australian
                                      longer-term growth for Australian companies.                                               for Australian miners, for example,        medtech businesses. In
                                                                                                                                 indicates that there may not be an         Indonesia, for example,
                                      With the COVID-19 pandemic now in          by these companies has grown by 26              equivalent alternative in the medium       the health sector is using
                                      its second year, the chance for a swift,   per cent, while domestic growth has             term.                                      technology to address
                                      uniform economic recovery across the       plateaued. Exports to the Indo-Pacific                                                     complex challenges
                                      Indo-Pacific has faded. Some countries     have also boomed, growing at an                                                            associated with delivering
                                      have recovered more quickly than           average rate of 8.5 per cent per year,
                                                                                                                                 ‘China Plus’ – growing                     health services to
                                      others. However, the global economy        on the back of growing demand for               the pie                                    260 million people
                                      overall faces slower growth and            Australian goods and services”.                 Given these challenges, some               across the country’s                                                               Spon
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   sored
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           by

                                      increased protectionism, while the                                                         businesses are finding that a ‘China       17,000 islands.
                                                                                 The study also found that larger,
                                      geopolitical environment has become                                                        Plus’ approach - where the business        But unlocking these types of
                                                                                 internationally diversified companies
                                      more complex.                                                                              diversifies into other emerging            opportunities requires a careful and
                                                                                 created more value for shareholders
                                      Australia appears to have weathered        than those with a domestic focus. For           Asian economies, whist retaining           calibrated market assessment and
                                                                                                                                 engagement with China – can help           commercial journey. That will take
                       Penny Burtt    the challenge of the global pandemic       example, internationally diversified
                                                                                                                                 build resilience and support longer-
                                      well. It has outperformed other major      companies with a market capitalisation                                                     time.
         Former Group CEO, Asialink   economies, and had its economic            of $2-5 billion achieved on average             term growth.
                                      forecast revised upwards by the IMF.       82 per cent greater shareholder                 The opportunities in emerging Asian
                                                                                 returns than similar sized businesses
                                                                                                                                                                            Deepening learning from
                                                                                                                                 consumer markets are sizeable and
                                      But that should not give rise to
                                                                                 that were domestically focused.                 growing. By 2030, lower middle-
                                                                                                                                                                            regional partners
                                      complacency.
                                                                                                                                 income countries — including India,        Building on prior Asiaink research, the
                                      Our economy will remain inextricably                                                       Indonesia, and Vietnam — will have         Winning in Asia study found that just
                                      interlinked in the Indo-Pacific in the     Unpacking diversification                       middle-class markets that are close        seven per cent of all senior executives
                                      post-pandemic world. Businesses            While the argument for a continued              to AU$20 trillion bigger than they are     and board members across the ASX
                                      looking to win in our complex region in    international focus is clear, so too is         today, representing growth 11 times        200 qualified as ‘Asia-capable’ –
                                      the longer-term will need to diversify,    the need for market diversification.            the size of Australia’s current GDP.       having the skills, knowledge, insights
                                      embrace digital trade and deepen their                                                                                                and networks needed to navigate
                                      capability.                                In today’s challenging international            Representing Asia’s third largest
                                                                                                                                                                            Asian markets. The average Asia
                                                                                 landscape, Australian business needs            market, the countries of Southeast
                                                                                                                                                                            capability score for these 1700 leaders
                                                                                 to diversify markets and economic               Asia (ASEAN) form a market of
                                                                                                                                                                            was just 13.6 (out of 100 points), and
                                      The case for global growth                 relationships to enhance resilience and         750 million people and a largely
                                                                                                                                                                            most were weakest in their ability to
                                                                                 build a buffer against external shocks,         untapped opportunity for Australian
                                      Landmark research by Asialink                                                                                                         adapt to Asian cultural contexts.
                                                                                 whether a trade conflict, supply chain          business. ASEAN’s member countries,
                                      released in 2020 underscored the clear                                                     though diverse, share a rapidly growing
                                                                                 interruption, recession, pandemic, or                                                      For companies seeking to expand
                                      case for larger companies to continue                                                      middle class and growing consumption.
                                                                                 other disruption.                                                                          into new markets, deepening these
                                      to look offshore for growth.
                                                                                                                                                                            capabilities, skills and insights is more
                                                                                 This is not to suggest that China –             But these opportunities are highly
                                      Analysing the financial results of the                                                                                                important than ever. Businesses that
                                                                                 Australia’s major trade partner - is            market, sector, and country specific
                                      ASX 200, Winning in Asia - a report                                                                                                   can adapt to and learn from regional
                                                                                 going anywhere. Even against a                  and require a customised approach,
                                      launched by Asialink Business by                                                                                                      partners – for example, the increasing
                                                                                 backdrop of trade disruptions, 2020             that will be different to the approach
                                      business for business - observed that                                                                                                 number of leading Asian multinationals
                                                                                 saw a record high in total trade with           business has adopted to expand into
                                      international cooperation was set to                                                                                                  and technology companies – will
                                                                                 China. China accounted for 39.6 per             China.
                                      be more, not less important, going                                                                                                    have opportunity for knowledge and
                                                                                 cent of our exports, representing a
                                      forward. It found:                                                                         As we emerge from the pandemic, they       technology transfer that can enhance
                                                                                 9 per cent growth in total two-way
                                                                                                                                 are also increasingly digital.             their competitive edge.
                                      “Australia’s largest companies now         trade. (By contrast, our second largest
                                      generate 34 per cent of their revenues     trading partner, Japan, accounted for           Southeast Asia added 40 million            In today’s highly competitive, uneven
                                      from foreign sources. This is more than    14.1 per cent of total exports).                new internet users in 2020 alone.          and disruptive global landscape, these
                                      the largest listed companies in the UK                                                     In Vietnam and Indonesia, growing          capabilities could prove invaluable for
                                                                                 The IMF projects China’s economy will
                                      (29 per cent) and the US (26 per cent).                                                    populations, rising disposable             Australian businesses wanting to win
                                                                                 grow by 8.4 per cent in 2021 (compared
                                      Over the past five years, the aggregate                                                    incomes, an increasing burden of           in Asia in the long term.                               For more information and resources,
                                                                                 with 6.5 per cent growth in Vietnam
                                      amount of foreign revenues generated                                                       disease and the rapid uptake of digital                                                            visit asialinkbusiness.com.au

6   business envoy                                                                    Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade   Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade                                                                                                       business envoy   7
Broadening horizons for Australian businesses - Department of Foreign Affairs and ...
Australia-Philippine Ties: A Promising Future                                                                                                                                                          Hitting the Sweet
    for Trade and Investment                                                                                                                                                                               Spot: Iconic Australian
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Brand Expands to the
    Steven J. Robinson AO
    Ambassador to the Philippines
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Philippines

    This year – 2021 – we celebrate 75 years of Australia and Philippine diplomatic
    ties. Since 1946, our strong and enduring friendship has developed into a mature
    and wide-ranging partnership grounded on shared values and a commitment to
    peace, security and prosperity in our region. Indeed, the depth of our friendship and
    partnership has stood firm – tested through the years by challenging times such as
    the current global pandemic.
    Like all countries, the Philippines has suffered the economic    Education ties between our countries are growing, and                 in priority sectors (information and communications
    impact of COVID-19. Nevertheless, its economic credentials       Australia continues to be one of the top preferred study              technology, manufacturing, logistics, financial services and
    remain solid. Throughout the pandemic, the Philippines           destinations among Filipinos. There were around 16,075                health) and there are opportunities for Australian providers
    has maintained investment-grade credit ratings, a stable         Filipino students enrolled to study in Australia in 2020, the         to offer professional development programs through short
    macroeconomic outlook and positive business sentiment.           ninth highest number of foreign students.                             online courses or micro-credentials.                            Robern Menz is a 150-year old family business spanning
    Australia and the Philippines already enjoy strong trade         Philippine investment to Australia is also expanding in               Australian businesses could also venture into digitalisation    four generations. Today the company is led by brothers
    and investment links. In 2019, bilateral trade was worth         niche areas, driven by conglomerates looking to diversify             and automation opportunities in digital services, including     Phil and Richard Sims. Based in South Australia, it is the
    $5.9 billion. Australia has become the Philippines’ top          investments, secure their supply chains, and access                   solutions to expand e-commerce platforms, improve               largest manufacturer of choc honeycomb in Australia and
    source of beef and lamb, second top source of wines,             advanced products and technology, particularly in renewable           cybersecurity and boost online education. Challenging living    also produces the iconic Menz FruChocs and Crown Mints.
    top supplier of fresh table grapes, citrus and stone fruit       energy and agribusiness. As at the end of 2020, Philippine            and environmental conditions also present opportunities         In 2018, it bought another iconic Australian brand “Violet
    (during the Southern Hemisphere season) and sixth top            investment in Australia was worth $1.4 billion.                       to design smart cities, liveable spaces using technology to     Crumble” from Swiss-owned Nestle.
    source of dairy. Australian food products are becoming                                                                                 improve quality of life.                                        In late 2019, the company joined Austrade’s Excelerate
                                                                     Yet while our commercial ties are already strong, our
    more accessible in supermarkets. Recently, our Embassy in                                                                                                                                              Program, a customised service for industry-leading
                                                                     Embassy in Manila is busily working to expand these further.          The Philippine’s “Build, Build, Build” agenda presents
    Manila facilitated the entry of Woolworths brand of products                                                                                                                                           businesses to help them succeed in export markets. It
                                                                                                                                           opportunities for Australian design, construction, and energy
    to the Philippines, including in Robinsons and Rustan’s          There is significant potential in the Philippine market as                                                                            was Austrade Manila’s first Excelerate client and needed
                                                                                                                                           companies with $208-236 billion having been allocated by
    supermarkets and their e-commerce platform.                      it continues to emerge from the pandemic. With Australia                                                                              assistance in finding a local partner for their Violet Crumble
                                                                                                                                           the Philippine government for new roads, railways, airports,
                                                                     and the Philippines members of the ASEAN Australia New                ports, energy and utilities, oil and gas pipelines and water    brand. Austrade Manila provided market research, helped
    There are now over 300 Australian companies in the
                                                                     Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) up to 97 per cent              infrastructure.                                                 qualify potential importers/distributors as well as organised
    Philippines employing 44,000 Filipinos. These companies
                                                                     of our goods trade is tariff free under this agreement. Our                                                                           and joined their visit program.
    cover a range of sectors including business process
                                                                     proximity to the Philippines and reputation as a supplier             While the current conditions are challenging, these
    outsourcing (Telstra, QBE, Macquarie, Canva and Atlassian),                                                                                                                                            From among the recommended companies, Robern Menz
                                                                     of quality goods and services are other important factors             opportunities are present right now and we have seen
    mining (OceanaGold, Red 5, Medusa Mining, and Orica), ship                                                                                                                                             signed an agreement with Kidstuff Marketing/Candy Corner
                                                                     which mean Australian business is well placed to penetrate            Australian business already start to react. Our Embassy
    building (Austal), services (Site Skills Training and Aurecon)                                                                                                                                         which now distributes and markets Violet Crumble in the
                                                                     this market of 109 million people.                                    in Manila is committed to working with Australian and
    and major infrastructure (Populous, Leighton Asia, BMD                                                                                                                                                 Philippines.
                                                                                                                                           Philippine stakeholders to take advantage of these
    Construction and Macquarie Capital) to name a few.               To give some examples, in agri-foods, the Philippines                 opportunities and ensure our trade and investment links         Robern Menz benefited from the Philippines’ Ease of Doing
                                                                     is a $20 billion import market, with a target consumer                continue to grow.
                                                                     population of around 30 million for imported premium and                                                                              Business Law, which fast-tracked the registration of its
                                                                     quality products. In education, there is a strong appetite                                                                            products with the Food and Drug Administration to less
                                                                     from young Filipino professionals and companies to upskill                                                                            than a week. Despite the challenges brought about by the
                                                                                                                                                                                                           pandemic, Violet Crumble has become widely available in
                                                                                                                                                                                                           leading retail stores nationwide, including online. Highly
                                                                                                                                                                                                           visible marketing campaigns are also helping boost brand
                                                                                                                                                                                                           awareness among consumers in the Philippines. Robern
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Menz says that its sales in the market continue to grow.

                                                                                                                                                                                                           Australian company Robern Menz joined Austrade’s Excelerate Program
                                                                                                                                                                                                           and expanded their export market to the Philippines. They met with
                                                                                                                                                                                                           their new distributor Candy Corner/Kidstuff Marketing in Manila, 19
                                                                                                                                                                                                           October 2019. (Photo courtesy of Austrade Manila)
                                                                                                                                                                                                           In photo from left to right: Candy Corner/Kidstuff Marketing President
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Ricky Andres, Robern Menz CEO Philip Sims, Candy Corner General
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Manager Rosemarie Andres, Candy Corner Business Development
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Manager Rina Andres, Austrade Manila Senior Business Development
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Manager Liza Bautista and Robern Menz Export Manager Henry Fowlds.

8   business envoy                                                                              Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade   Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade                                                                               business envoy    9
Broadening horizons for Australian businesses - Department of Foreign Affairs and ...
Reaching for the Stars: Australian firm introducing                                                                                                 Diversifying Australia’s energy infrastructure:
     green hydrogen technology to the Philippines                                                                                                        Positioning Australia as a Global Leader in Hydrogen
                                                                                                                                                         Technology
     Electricity costs in the Philippines are among the highest in the region. There are
     significant energy opportunities for Australian expertise, innovations, and capital to
     meet this unmet need, particularly for renewable energy.
     Star Scientific Limited, an Australian            existing coal-fired power plants to              The Philippines Renewable Energy
                                                                                                                                                         “I want Australia and
     hydrogen research and development                 run on green hydrogen using Star                 plan is aimed at renewable energy                hydrogen technology to be
     firm, in January 2021 signed an                   Scientific’s proprietary Hydrogen                (RE) contributing 35 per cent of the
     agreement with the Philippine                     Energy Release Technology (HERO)                 country’s energy needs by 2030 (58.5
                                                                                                                                                         synonymous around the
     Department of Energy (DOE) to help                technology. They will also work                  per cent by 2040). With a moratorium             world.”
     drive the country’s energy self-                  together to explore the use of green             on green field coal power projects by
     sufficiency and economic development              hydrogen production in the Philippines           October 2021, RE will play an important
                                                                                                                                                         Prime Minister Morrison,
     through green hydrogen as a fuel                  using an abundance of offshore wind              role in meeting this gap.
                                                                                                                                                         21 April 2021
     source.                                           resources. Other opportunities for
                                                       cooperation include the development                                                               Clean hydrogen is a priority technology
     Under the agreement the parties will                                                                                                                in Australia’s Technology Investment
                                                       of decentralised scalable power and
     begin a feasibility study retro-fitting                                                                                                             Roadmap. The Roadmap aims to
                                                       desalination capabilities.
                                                                                                                                                         remove the ‘green premium’ of low
     Star Scientific Limited signing of Memorandum of                                                                                                    emissions technologies and accelerate
                                                                                                                                                         their deployment, both in Australia
     Understanding with the Philippine Department of                                                                                                     and overseas. The Roadmap brings a
     Energy to explore hydrogen technology through                                                                                                       strategic and system-wide view to
     the Hydrogen Energy Release Optimizer (HERO)                                                                                                        future investments in low emissions
                                                                                                                                                         technologies, in partnership with the
     technology in the Philippines. The MoU signing                                                                                                      private sector and the states and
     was witnessed by the Australian Ambassador,                                                                                                         territories.
     Philippine Energy officials and prospective                                                                                                         Diversifying Australia’s energy
     investors to Star Scientific. MANILA, 27 JANUARY 2021                                                                                               infrastructure is key to our future
                                                                                                                                                         energy security. Supported by an
     Seated from left: Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven
     Robinson AO; Philippine Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi; Star Scientific                                                                              ambitious economic stretch goal
     Chief Advisor Robbie Briggs. Image courtesy of Star Scientific                                                                                      of A$2 per kilogram, the Australian
                                                                                                                                                         Government is prioritising investments
                                                                                                                                                         to support the growth of a clean,
                                                                                                                                                         innovative, safe, and competitive
     Recently, our Embassy in                                                                                                                            Australian hydrogen industry.
     Manila supported the entry and                                                                                                                      Australia has now committed more
     launch of Woolworths’ brand                                                                                                                         than $900 million to the development
                                                                                                                                                         of hydrogen in Australia including
     of products to the Philippines                                                                                                                      a range of hydrogen hubs and
     which are available in physical                                                                                                                     development of a hydrogen                  •   Elvin Group Renewables’ locally       To learn more about the Roadmap visit:
     stores and in e-commerce                                                                                                                            certification scheme to enable trade.          manufactured, scalable electrolyser   First Low Emissions Technology
                                                                                                                                                                                                        technology and hydrogen fuel cell     Statement 2020 | Department
     platform. Major retail shop                                                                                                                         In early June, DFAT promoted
                                                                                                                                                                                                        technology to decarbonise marine      of Industry, Science, Energy and
     Robinsons Supermarket held                                                                                                                          Australia’s world leading capacity
                                                                                                                                                                                                        transport on passenger ferries        Resources
                                                                                                                                                         to members of the Diplomatic Corps
     a virtual launch on 5 May 2021                                                                                                                      highlighting transformations already       •   LAVO’s proprietary metal hydride
     attended by the Australian                                                                                                                          taking shape in Australia from the             hydrogen generation and storage
                                                                                                                                                         research lab through to commercial             technology and
     Ambassador, Austrade’s
                                                                                                                                                         application, including:                    •   Star Scientific’s hydrogen catalyst
     Senior Trade and Investment                                                                                                                                                                        (HERO) technology – to enable
                                                                                                                                                         •   Australia’s first certified public
     Commissioner, senior                              Top row, from left:Jazz Casumbal, Host of the Virtual Launch: Jacob Baldock, Marketing                hydrogen refuelling station
                                                                                                                                                                                                        ‘heat-as-a-service’ in a range of
     executives from Woolworths                        Head, Woolworths International; Andrew Goudie, General Manager, Woolworths; Brian                                                                applications.
                                                                                                                                                             developed by ActewAGL
                                                       Newton, Sales Head, Woolworths International
     and Robinsons Retail Holdings.                                                                                                                      •   Australian National University         “In Australia, we are creating our own
                                                       Middle Row: Steven James Robinson AO, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines; Stanley                                                      ‘Hydrogen Valleys’. Where we will
                                                       Co, Deputy Managing Director, Robinsons Supermarket; Jody Gadia, Managing Director,                   research on producing hydrogen
                                                       Robinsons Supermarket                                                                                 fuels directly from sunlight           transform our transport industries,       Top: Learning about Star Scientific’s hydrogen
                                                                                                                                                                                                    our mining and resource sectors, our      catalyst (HERO) technology with the Prime
                                                       Bottom Row: Christopher Lim, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner/Minister                    •   pilot projects led by Australian                                                 Minister the Hon Scott Morrison MP and the
                                                       Counsellor (Commercial), Austrade Manila; Robina Gokongwei-Pe, President of Robinsons                                                        manufacturing, our fuel and energy        Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction
                                                                                                                                                             Gas Infrastructure Group blending
                                                       Retail Holdings Inc.                                                                                                                         production.”                              the Hon Angus Taylor MP in April 2021.
                                                                                                                                                             hydrogen gas within the existing                                                 Image courtesy of Star Scientific
                                                                                                                                                             LNG distribution infrastructure, and   Prime Minister Morrison, Intervention
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Above: Visit to Australia’s first public
                                                                                                                                                             future potential to store and supply   at Leaders’ Summit on Climate,            hydrogen refuelling station, owned by
                                                                                                                                                             hydrogen                               22 April 2021.                            ACTEWAGL by Jamie Isbister, Australian
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Ambassador for the Enviroment, with Tim
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Harcourt and James Dunlop in May 2021.

10   business envoy                                                                                           Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade   Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade                                                                            business envoy    11
Broadening horizons for Australian businesses - Department of Foreign Affairs and ...
Go West – The case for
                               moving into the Indian market

     It has been a difficult   But signs are pointing towards              both sides to see the relationship              India continues to prioritise the rapid     For further information on the
                               recovery. It is worth noting that 8.3 per   continue to strengthen, including on            development of its infrastructure under     Australian Economic Strategy,
     few months for India.     cent growth, if fulfilled, would make       the economic front. This commitment             its National Infrastructure Pipeline.       published by the Confederation of
     The second wave of        India the fastest recovering among          should come as comfort to businesses            Opportunities for Australian firms lie in   Indian Industry in December 2020,
                               major economies. With a recovery            at a time when unfettered trade free            the built environment, road safety, rail    and 2018 India Economic Strategy to
     COVID-19 has had          underway, India will continue to be         from broader geopolitical events can            and water infrastructure.                   2035, also provide useful guidance on
     a notable impact          a promising market for Australian           no longer be assumed.
                                                                                                                           Privatisation and policy reform are
                                                                                                                                                                       opportunities in India.
                               businesses.
     on predictions for                                                                                                    transforming India’s mining and
     India’s economic          Long-term, India remains one of             Australia India                                 resources sector. Domestic demand
                               the fastest growing economies in            Business Exchange                               is expected to remain strong, offering
     recovery. The IMF, for    the world supported by a young,                                                             opportunities for Australian minerals
     instance, has revised     aspirational and tech savvy consumer        To support more Australian and Indian           exports. Australia’s mining, equipment
                               base. India’s urbanisation, rising          business partnerships, the Australian           and technology capabilities can
     its expectations for      incomes and industrial activity are         Government has launched the Australia           support productivity gains in India’s
     Indian growth from        driving huge demand across many             India Business Exchange (AIBX)                  mining sector.
                               sectors, including premium food             program.
     10.1 per cent to          and beverages, health and lifestyle
                                                                           AIBX provides a range of services to
     8.3 per cent for the      products services and technology.
     current financial year.   The Indian Government is driving
                                                                           support Australian businesses to enter
                                                                           and establish in India – from industry             Success in India:
                               a reform agenda. This includes
                               substantial infrastructure spending
                                                                           specific insights to guidance on doing
                                                                           business with India and entering India’s           Acusensus’ Story
                               and asset sales, banking reform, labour     online retail market.
                               market, education and agricultural                                                             Road safety company Acusensus is on a mission
                                                                           To find out more on AIBX and to
                               reform, as well as measures to improve                                                         to reduce road deaths globally – and it recently
                                                                           participate in AIBX events, visit
                               ease of doing business and incentives                                                          cracked the Indian market. Key success factors
                                                                           austrade.gov.au/AIBX.
                               to encourage foreign investment. In                                                            included:                                                       The Indian Government has installed a ‘road safety
                               partnership with Austrade and other                                                                                                                            corridor’ along a 30-kilometre stretch of road modelled
                                                                                                                              •    Finding a local partner with shared corporate values
                               Australian Government agencies,             Key sectors of opportunity                                                                                         on an Australian road corridor, as part of the Tamil Nadu
                               DFAT will endeavour to assist                                                                  •    Designing a market-specific solution                       Road Sector Project. Acusensus has now deployed a
                               Australian firms to take advantage of       Australia’s clean, green agrifood                  •    Having patience in the process                             speed-enforcement system along the corridor. It comprises
                               opportunities opened up by this reform      products are in rising demand                                                                                      radar-based mobile speed enforcement camera trailers and
                                                                                                                              •    Leveraging local connections
                               agenda.                                     among Indian consumers. Changes                                                                                    fixed installations.
                                                                           in consumer habits are creating                    ‘I think India provides a really unique opportunity to make
                               Education, which is a key pillar of the     new avenues to the India market,                   an impact with our technology’ says Alexander Jannink,          In partnership with Ador, India’s largest provider of traffic
                               India Australia bilateral relationship      particularly through e-commerce                    Acusensus Managing Director. ‘It is a market that is in some    safety and enforcement solutions, Acusensus developed
                               due to its usefulness as a soft power       channels. Indian food-processing                   ways challenging…but its also a market that is eager to         the solution for the Indian market. It requires minimal power
                               lever, has been elevated by India’s         companies are looking for partners,                work with Australian companies.’                                and no fibre optic data cables. Acusensus also worked
                               new National Education Policy. This         and tight regulation on wholesale                                                                                  closely with SaveLIFE Foundation, an Indian not-for-profit
                               policy actively seeks to internationalise   markets is being relaxed and opening               India has a high rate of road accidents, with an estimated      working to improve road safety.
                               India’s education system, encouraging       up opportunities for Australian firms.             299,000 road deaths per year, according to the World
                                                                                                                              Health Organisation. Meanwhile, Acusensus was keen to           ‘By being involved on the ground innovating for and with
                               international players into the market
                                                                           India’s healthcare sector is growing               enter the market.                                               India, we believe we can make a huge difference in starting
                               and building regulatory architecture
                                                                           rapidly, driven by rising incomes,                                                                                 to bring down the road toll,’ says Jannink. ‘We also hope
                               based on the best from other
                                                                           increased health awareness and easier              Over several years, Austrade arranged introductions to          this will open doors for other model safety corridor projects
                               countries.
                                                                           access to insurance. India needs                   well-placed Indian federal and state government officials.      that can involve other Australian companies.’
                               All this is supported by bilateral ties     affordable and accessible healthcare               In early 2021, Acusensus’s first deployment in India went
                               which have never been stronger. The         solutions that can be delivered at                 live, after three years of planning and negotiation.
                               announcement of the Comprehensive           scale, creating opportunities for                  ‘Winning this important contract would not have been
                               Strategic Partnership by Prime              Australia’s digital health and medical             possible without Austrade’s advice and support,’ says
                               Ministers Morrison and Modi last            technology companies.                              Ravin Mirchandani, Acusensus Chairman.
                               year elevated this relationship to
                               new heights. There is strong will on

12   business envoy                                                             Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade   Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade                                                                         business envoy    13
Broadening horizons for Australian businesses - Department of Foreign Affairs and ...
Australian opportunities abound in Latin America

                       CPTPP
                       Ongoing reduction of Mexican tariffs on beef and lamb under the CPTPP
                       will provide opportunities for Australian exporters to grow the existing
                       USD25 million share of the USD885 million Mexican red meat market.
            MEXICO

                       Shipbuilding
                       Although two-way trade between Australia and the Caribbean has historically been small, Australian shipbuilders
                       Incat and Austal demonstrate that niche diversification opportunities exist for Australian companies across the
                       Latin America and Caribbean region. Austal has recently dispatched two cape-class Patrol Boats to the Trinidad
          TRINIDAD     & Tobago Coast Guard, which follows an earlier sale of ferries by both Incat and Austal to link the two islands.
          & TOBAGO

                       Infrastructure
                       The Colombian government is supporting foreign investment for priority infrastructure development. Both Macquarie Capital and
                       IFM are increasing their infrastructure holdings in Colombia, with Macquarie having recently finalised the acquisition of a highway
                       near the capital Bogota. There is also an emerging opportunity in hydrogen and distributed energy systems, in particular microgrids,
                       to meet the post-peace commitment to power regional and remote areas of Colombia.
          COLOMBIA

                       Peru-Australia Free Trade Agreement (PAFTA)
                       Prior to the commencement of the Peru-Australia FTA in 2020, two-way trade with Peru was worth AUD656 million. With the agreement
                       now in force, a range of Australian products such as sugar, dairy and Coopers beer now have enhanced access to the Peruvian market,
                       one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America.
              PERU

                       Green Energy
                       Through its December 2020 National Energy Plan, Brazil has signalled an intent to develop a green hydrogen industry and significantly expand
                       the use of wind and solar energy. Australian companies Fortescue Future Industries and Enegix Energy have both entered into arrangements
                       with Brazilian partners to explore the potential for a green hydrogen powered future.
            BRAZIL

                       Education
                       Australian cloud-based education provider Matific is providing mathematics tutoring and lessons for students in Chile. Companies such as Matific
                       demonstrate that opportunities exist in the education sector despite the pandemic, particularly when they combine Australia’s reputation for
                       high-quality course delivery, with innovative solutions to student engagement.
             CHILE

                       Health
                       With pre-pandemic growth in health spending of around 3.6 per cent per year and an increasing share of GDP dedicated to health, Latin America and
                       the Caribbean region present opportunities for Australian companies to deliver health services or products. Two examples are CSL, which has an
                       Argentine laboratory to produce blood plasma and influenza vaccines; and Amcor, which has a large Argentine workforce to package
                       pharmaceutical products.
         ARGENTINA

                       Mining
                       Latin America’s wealth of mineral resources presents many greenfield opportunities for Australian companies. Chile has the world’s largest reserves
                       of copper and lithium, both key resources as the world transitions to renewables. Brazil’s reserves of iron ore are second only to Australia, and in
                       Argentina, Australian companies are leading the way in developing substantial lithium resources. Ecuador, Mexico and Colombia all have substantial
                       mineral reserves but remain under-explored. Regional diversification opportunities exist for Australian companies prepared to look to the medium
        THE REGION     and long term; particularly when they leverage Australia’s positive reputation for project sustainability, technological expertise, and social licence.

14   business envoy                                                                  Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade           Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade   business envoy   15
Broadening horizons for Australian businesses - Department of Foreign Affairs and ...
Japan: plating up our                                              Airfreight assistance                                                True South Seafood: a sea urchin pivot
     safe secure and reliable                                           keeps flowers flowing
     agribusiness reputation                                            to Japan

     Australia’s second largest trading
     partner, Japan continues to provide
     opportunities for Australian exporters.
     Japanese consumers view Australia as a safe, secure and
     reliable supplier of food, offering opportunities for Australian
     agribusinesses looking to expand and diversify.
                                                                        While Australia’s fresh-cut flower and
     While beef is Australia’s fourth largest export to Japan,
                                                                        foliage exports dropped 30 per cent from
     behind natural gas, coal and iron ore, there are real              2019 to 2020, due to restrictions brought
     opportunities in seafood, and horticulture, as well as             on by COVID-19, the country’s leading
     processed food and beverages. The Japanese market
     is, however, highly competitive and consumers are                  wildflower exporter, Wafex, is seeing
     sophisticated and discerning; prospective exporters will           business bloom again.
     need to do their homework, commit for the long-term and
     find good local partners to ensure success.
                                                                                                                                            True South Seafood is                             The pandemic presented logistical         The company pivoted their business
                                                                                                                                                                                              challenges for True South Seafood         model and started processing and
                                                                        This coming season, kicking off in July, it’s planning to
                                                                        distribute some of the country’s most prized wildflowers and
                                                                                                                                            one of Australia’s largest                        in exporting their abalone and, as        exporting sea urchins into Japan. Sea
     Reflecting a growing demand for niche and premium
     products, Tasman Sea Salt kicked off exports to Japan in           waxflowers in Japan, as well as the United States, Taiwan,          abalone exporters, having                         there was no Australian market to         urchin roe is prized as a delicacy in
                                                                                                                                                                                              accommodate 450 tonnes of product,        Asia and exports have now also begun
     March 2020. Austrade Tokyo assisted with market research           China, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Netherlands and Vietnam.           transformed from modest                           True South Seafood relied heavily on      to USA, Canada and Malaysia.
     and a business matching process meaning that the all
     natural Australian sea salt flakes harvested from the pure
                                                                        Wafex, which employs 150 staff across four continents, was          beginnings in 1996 to                             their alternative product, the invasive
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Australia’s trading economy is resilient
                                                                        facing a $5 million annual loss when the pandemic drew its                                                            sea urchin. The company had moved
     waters of Tasmania will feature in stores and eventually on
                                                                        exporting business to a halt in 2020.
                                                                                                                                            being a premium supplier                          to diversify its product lines over the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        because it is spread across multiple
     the tables of izakayas in Tokyo and across Japan.
                                                                        Wafex Executive Director Business Development
                                                                                                                                            of quality Tasmanian                              last three years understanding that the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        economies around the globe. Twelve
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        of our fifteen largest trading partners
     Japanese consumers continue to seek products that
                                                                        Craig Musson said without the Australian Government’s               wild-caught live abalone                          abalone quota in Australia would need
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        are in Asia and most of that trade is
     improve their health. There is growing interest in disease                                                                                                                               to be reduced to allow for regeneration
     prevention and strengthening immunity from Japan’s ageing
                                                                        International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM), the              and New Zealand Pāua.                             of the marine habitat that was being
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        covered by free trade agreements.
                                                                        company – which has a 50% market share of the country’s                                                                                                         Australian businesses that diversify
     population, following the COVID-19 pandemic.                                                                                                                                             decimated by over-fishing and sea
                                                                        wildflower export market – would have struggled to survive.                                                                                                     the range of products and services
                                                                                                                                                                                              urchin invasion due to climate change.
     Fortified/functional (FF) packaged food saw a 5 per cent                                                                                                                                                                           that they export and the overseas
                                                                        “IFAM single-handedly saved our export business last year,”
     growth in both retail current value terms and retail volume                                                                                                                                                                        markets into which they sell, are better
                                                                        Mr Musson said. “Without IFAM we would not have been
     terms in 2020, to reach JPY1.3 trillion and 1.5 million tonnes1.                                                                                                                                                                   placed to withstand global economic
                                                                        able to export anything at all. We would have taken a $5
     FF breakfast cereals recorded the highest retail current                                                                                                                                                                           shocks and supply chain disruptions.
                                                                        million hit and had to lay off many of our workers. We have 50
     value growth of 14 per cent in 2020, to reach JPY76.8 billion.
                                                                        commercial flower growers reliant on our exports and some                                                                                                       While live abalone remains the core
     BARLEYmax, which was developed by the CSIRO over a                 would have gone out of business as well.                                                                                                                        of the True South seafood business,
     decade, has twice the total dietary fibre and four times the                                                                                                                                                                       it has invested substantially in
                                                                        “The freight assistance mechanism allowed us to get some of
     resistant starch content compared to regular barley. Since                                                                                                                                                                         the sustainability of its business
                                                                        our product out to the international market during what was
     Japan started importing BARLEYmax, it has been used in                                                                                                                                                                             model amid challenging economic
                                                                        an incredibly difficult time to export.”
     many products, including noodles.                                                                                                                                                                                                  circumstances, ensuring secure jobs
                                                                        IFAM is a targeted, temporary measure keeping global                                                                                                            for Australians. True South Seafood
     Plant-based food and beverage products is another growing
                                                                        air links open in response to the pandemic to support                                                                                                           is the largest employer of locals with
     sector, with increasing interest in plant-based alternatives
                                                                        regions, communities and industry sectors that have been                                                                                                        20 full-time staff plus an additional
     to meat due to health benefits. Almond milk, rice milk and
                                                                        disproportionately affected by COVID-19.                                                                                                                        60 casuals when the centro (long spine
     macadamia milk have also become staples in supermarkets
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        sea urchin) is in season.
     recently, and now oat milk is appearing on the shelves.                                                                                       Above: Beth Mathison, CEO, True South
                                                                                                                                                           Seafood, consulting with staff.
                                                                                                                                                     Right: Sea urchin roe ready for export
     1   Source: Euromonitor International                              Image courtesy of WAFEX

16   business envoy                                                                              Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade   Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade                                                                               business envoy   17
Broadening horizons for Australian businesses - Department of Foreign Affairs and ...
Indonesia: A key partner country for                                                                                                    Trade Diversification                                             An improved EMDG is
     Australia’s international education sector                                                                                              of Australian Exports                                             here to help Australian
                                                                                                                                                                                                               exporters

     The Department of                                                                                                                       As Australia’s export credit agency,                              Export Market
                                                                                                                                                                                                               Development Grants
     Education, Skills and                                                                                                                   Export Finance Australia helps Australian                         is a key Australian
     Employment (DESE) is                                                                                                                    businesses to expand into new markets                             Government financial
                                                                                                                                                                                                               assistance program
     working with a range of                                                                                                                 when finance from commercial providers                            supporting Australian
     stakeholders domestically                                                                                                               is unavailable.                                                   businesses since 1974.
     and internationally to                                                                                                                                                                                    From Atlassian to
                                                                                                                                             This assists the diversification of Australia’s export trade by
     diversify Australia’s                                                                                                                   enabling exporters to pursue exports to new markets that
                                                                                                                                                                                                               Zimmermann, close
                                                                                                                                                                                                               to 50,000 Australian
     international education                                                                                                                 might otherwise have been out of reach.                           businesses have
     sector so this key sector                                                                                                               Since 2013, Export Finance Australia has provided over
                                                                                                                                                                                                               grown their exports in
                                                                                                                                                                                                               overseas markets with
     is adaptable, resilient                                                                                                                 $1.1 billion in loans, guarantees and bonds which has helped
                                                                                                                                                                                                               the help of EMDG.
                                                                                                                                             over 500 Australian SMEs take on export opportunities.
     and competitive into the                                                                                                                                                                                  Significant reforms to
                                                                                                                                             This finance has supported over $6.2 billion in contracts to
     future. Diversification                    Asia Pacific, with overseas branch          intensive institution that focuses on            over 115 countries.
                                                                                                                                                                                                               EMDG roll-out from 1
                                                                                                                                                                                                               July 2021, reorienting
     of the international                       campuses of leading Australian
                                                universities operating successfully
                                                                                            postgraduate and executive education.
                                                                                                                                             As Export Finance Australia’s role is to operate in the           EMDG from a
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             1
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Export Mark
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              et Develop
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ment   Grants – 2021

     education sector will help                                                             This milestone has positioned Australia
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             –22 Grant
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Guidelines

                                                for many years. These campuses                                                               ‘market gap’, its customers are often those who are seeking       reimbursement
                                                                                            as a partner serious about working
     maintain Australia’s global                are an important bridge between
                                                                                            with Indonesia as it expands its
                                                                                                                                             to break into new or complex markets.                             scheme to a grant
                                                Australia and the host countries,                                                                                                                              program. These reforms follow an
     competitiveness and guide                  not only through educating local and
                                                                                            economy and lifts living standards.              Because of its deep knowledge of emerging and frontier
                                                                                                                                                                                                               independent review and broad stakeholder consultation
                                                                                            The campus will be instrumental                  markets gained over many years, Export Finance Australia
     the sector’s recovery                      international students seeking an
                                                                                            in educating future generations of               generally has a greater risk appetite than the private sector
                                                                                                                                                                                                               with key industry associations and exporters in the
                                                Australian qualification, but in the role                                                                                                                      program to guide the design and delivery of this process.
     during and beyond the                      they play in their local communities.
                                                                                            Indonesians in the convenience of                and may be able to assist in situations where private finance
                                                                                            their home country through people-               is not available.                                                 From 1 July 2021, EMDG will benefit from the following
     COVID-19 pandemic.                         DESE’s policy role is to support            to-people links that will bring mutual                                                                             improvements:
                                                                                                                                             Export Finance Australia has helped Australian companies
                                                Australian higher education providers       benefit to both our nations. DESE
                                                                                                                                             take their products and services across the world, including      •   Simplified legislation that is significantly shorter
                                                to deliver higher education services        played a key role in supporting Monash
     The Council for International Education,                                                                                                welding machines to Africa, beauty products to Mexico,            •   A streamlined application process
                                                in Indonesia under the Government           through the process and is continuing
     chaired by the Minister for Education,                                                                                                  wine to Jamaica and mining services to Peru.
                                                of Indonesia (GoI)’s Ministerial            to work with several other Australian                                                                              •   Apply once for a grant of 2 or 3 years
     the Hon Alan Tudge MP, is currently        Regulation 53 of 2018 which allows for      universities on scoping campus                   Export Finance Australia has dedicated business                   •   Know how much funding you will receive before
     developing a new ten-year strategy for     foreign higher education institutions       opportunities in Indonesia.                      development teams across the country, which specialise in             you spend
     international education in Australia.      to establish a physical presence                                                             providing finance to small and medium-sized exporters.
     The key focal points of diversification                                                With the first Australian university                                                                               Applications for the new forward looking EMDG grant
                                                (such as a campus) in the country.
     include innovating education through                                                   campus about to open in Indonesia,               Additionally, it has a Project and Structured Finance team        program open 16 August and close 30 November 2021.
                                                The department actively supports
     offshore and online delivery, ensuring                                                 and possibly more to follow with                 in Sydney, which focuses on large transactions, often in
                                                education providers; advocating                                                                                                                                If you have eligible expenses for the financial year ending
     Australia is attracting students from                                                  GoI’s agreement, market access                   complex markets, that help to facilitate small business
                                                our sector’s interest to improve the                                                                                                                           30 June 2021, you will also submit an application under the
     diverse source markets, and promoting                                                  opportunities also exist for Australia’s         involvement in export supply chains.
                                                regulatory environment, providing                                                                                                                              EMDG reimbursement scheme by 30 November 2021 (or 28
     a range of fields of study and a mix                                                   vocational education and training
                                                advice to improve their understanding                                                        Export Finance Australia works closely with portfolio             February 2022 if you use a participating EMDG consultant).
     between urban and regional study                                                       (VET) providers secured through the
                                                of Indonesia’s regulatory environment,                                                       agencies DFAT and Austrade to help Australian exporters
     locations.                                                                             Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive
                                                and building Indonesia’s capacity                                                            gain access to overseas markets.                                  It’s important to remember the intent and purpose of
                                                                                            Economic Partnership Agreement.
     Indonesia’s economic growth                to support institutional decision-                                                                                                                             EMDG remains the same, and these reforms seek to
                                                                                            This allows majority (up to 67 per cent)         It also has an Economics team which closely monitors and
     trajectory, growing young population,      making on transnational education in                                                                                                                           simplify and streamline the program for the benefit of
                                                                                            of Australian ownership in joint VET             researches international markets and provides updates and
     and identified need for quality            Indonesia.                                                                                                                                                     current and aspiring Australian exporters.
                                                                                            ventures. The department has been                country analysis on its website and in its monthly World Risk
     education and training make it a           Several Australian universities             encouraging and supporting Australian            Developments publication.                                         For more information on eligibility and how to apply:
     key partner country for Australia’s        have been engaging with the GoI to          VET providers to scope out joint                                                                                   Austrade.gov.au
     international education sector.            establish an in-country presence in         venture opportunities in Indonesia as            If you are looking to export overseas, Export Finance
                                                Indonesia, and Monash University is a       the country works to meet its national           Australia may be able to assist you with the financing you
     Australia engages with Indonesia                                                                                                        need to break into global markets.
     to foster deeper connections               good example. Its years of concerted        productivity goals of upskilling an
     through education policy alignment,        engagement have led to GoI’s approval       estimated 57 million Indonesians                 To learn more about the Roadmap visit Technology
     and to create mutually beneficial          to establish a campus in Jakarta which      by 2030.                                         Investment Roadmap: First Low Emissions Technology                    To help you understand these changes
     opportunities for trade in education       also happens to be Indonesia’s first,       Former Australian Ambassador to Indonesia        Statement 2020 | Department of Industry, Science, Energy              watch our EMDG YouTube video.
     services.                                  and as yet, only foreign university         Gary Quinlan, AO and former Australian           and Resources
                                                campus. The Jakarta-based campus            Consul-General Surabaya, Chris Barnes meet                                                                             You can also subscribe to Austrade’s
     Australia has a strong track record        will have its first intake of students      students at Airlangga University, Surabaya,      For more information visit www.exportfinance.gov.au                   EMDG Update for news and reminders of
                                                                                            February 2020. Image courtesy of: Timothy
     in the delivery of high-quality            in October this year and will be an         Tobing, DFAT
                                                                                                                                             or call 1800 093 724.                                                 application opening dates and deadlines.
     transnational education across the         innovative, STEM and research-

18   business envoy                                                                               Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade   Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade                                                                                                  business envoy               19
Global Resources Strategy:                                                                  International co-operation at the heart
                                                        Building investment attraction                                                              of trade openness and diversification
                                                        and diversifying exports in the
                                                        Australian resources sector

                    OBAL
      AUSTRALIA’S GL TEMENT
      RESOURCES STA

                                                        The Australian Government is investing $20.1 million                                        Trade diversification creates new and expanded international business opportunities,
                                                        over two years to deliver a Global Resources Strategy.                                      and builds more agile, resilient, and sustainable businesses. Australia is working in
                                                                                                                                                    and with the world’s key economic institutions to increase openness and certainty
                                                        The strategy will help strengthen our resources exports, secure new global
                                                        markets and promote Australia as a reliable and responsible supplier to the world.
                                                                                                                                                    in the international trading environment – opening new opportunities for Australian
                                                        The strategy is part of a whole-of-government effort to help Australia build
                                                                                                                                                    business.
                                                        resilience to trade stocks such as the global pandemic.
                                                                                                                                                    The decision to diversify trade            This year, in the G20 Trade and          The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
                                                        The Global Resources Strategy will:                                                         ultimately belongs to individual           Investment Working Group, Australia      forum (APEC) supports a wide array of
                                                        •   diversify and strengthen Australia’s resources exports and improve access               businesses, however, the government        is working to build political momentum   technical expertise, capacity building
                                                            key export markets                                                                      has an important role to play in           for WTO reform and ambitious             and policy dialogue between its 21
         Reliable, Respon
                          sible, Ready for
                                           the Future                                                                                               creating and maintaining an enabling       outcomes at the 12th WTO Ministerial     member economies to support trade,
                                                        •   boost investment in regional Australia by exploring new markets in the Indo-            environment which provides a level of      Conference in December 2021. We are      investment and growth outcomes.
                                                            Pacific, Europe and North America                                                       certainty.                                 also advocating for an open and free     Australia is focused on delivering
                                                        •   support the jobs of 262,000 people who currently work in the sector                                                                trading environment to help strengthen   practical projects to support economic
                                                                                                                                                    Creating a conducive trade and
                                                        •   support new investment in research and commercialisation of alternative uses                                                       our supply chain resilience and boost    recovery in response to COVID-19, as
                                                                                                                                                    investment environment for business
                                                            for high-emissions commodities                                                                                                     our exports of goods and services.       well as ongoing support for fair and
                                                                                                                                                    requires both domestic policy support
                                                                                                                                                                                               Success will ultimately reduce           open markets.
                                                        •   provide greater international focus for our world-leading and innovative mining         and international cooperation.
                                                                                                                                                                                               transaction costs and create greater
                                                            equipment, technology and services (METS) sector                                        Internationally, the Australian                                                     For example, the Australia-led
                                                                                                                                                                                               certainty for business.
                                                        •   support our resources sector to remain the world’s supplier of choice for major         Government advocates market                                                         APEC project ‘Building Resilient
                                                            commodities as well as our critical minerals and new energy resources such              openness and predictability and seeks      The OECD works with its 38 member        Supply Chains 2020: Survey and
                                                            as hydrogen                                                                             to minimize market distortion - the        countries and invited partners to        Analysis’, surveyed business and
                                                                                                                                                    conditions that provide Australian         develop evidence-based international     industry stakeholders to identify the
                                                        The strategy will provide a framework to expand our existing commodity markets              businesses the best chance at              standards and norms to assist            levels of disruption, resilience, and
                                                        as well as develop new partnerships.                                                        success. It is important that our effort   in finding solutions to a range of       adaptability of supply chains. Greater
                                                        It will do this through:                                                                    is underpinned by a strong multilateral    social, economic and environmental       understanding of these issues from
                                                                                                                                                    rules-based trading system with            challenges. In his first speech as       a business perspective helps our
                                                        •   The release of Australia’s Global Resources Statement, that promotes Australia          the WTO at its core. The Australian        Secretary General, former Australian     government and others in our region
                                                            as a reliable, responsible and ready for the future investment destination for          Government uses multilateral fora          Finance Minister, Mathias Cormann        to put in place better policies to
                                                            resources exploration and supply                                                        such as the G20, OECD and APEC to          reaffirmed the organisation’s            overcome them.
                                                        •   new analysis of the barriers to trade for key commodities and minerals                  promote and defend this system. In         commitment to market-based
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Multilateral economic institutions
                                                        •   research and development of alternative uses for commodities and examining              each of these fora, our central goal is    economic principles, a global level
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        provide important platforms to
                                                            opportunities to commercialise them                                                     to support fair and open markets. We       playing field and a rules-based
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        negotiate reforms in an ever-changing
                                                                                                                                                    advocate meaningful reforms of the         international order.
                                                        •   leveraging existing bilateral agreements with key trading partners to expand                                                                                                and evolving world. The Australian
                                                                                                                                                    WTO to improve its ability to manage
                                                            existing, and maximise new market opportunities, for our commodities and                                                           Australia uses the OECD’s expertise      Government will continue to advocate
                                                                                                                                                    and enforce trading rules that keep
                                                            critical minerals.                                                                                                                 to inform our domestic policy setting.   policies that support growth and new
                                                                                                                                                    markets functioning and Australian
                                                                                                                                                                                               OECD’s tailored research into the        business opportunities for Australian
                                                        The Global Resources Statement promotes the quality, strength and reliability of            business in the game.
                                                                                                                                                                                               competitiveness of our services          businesses.
                                                        Australia as a leading supplier of crucial energy resources and critical minerals to
                                                                                                                                                    The G20 brings together the world’s        sector led to the development of the
                                                        the world.
                                                                                                                                                    major economies. Its members account       Government’s Services Exports Action
                                                        The statement is the first milestone achieved under the Strategy and builds                 for more than 80 per cent of world         Plan which was launched on 6 April
                                                        on the government’s action plan set out in the National Resources Statement.                GDP, 75 per cent of global trade and       2021. The Plan outlines immediate
                                                        Australia is striving to be the most globally attractive and competitive investment         60 per cent of the world’s population.     actions to help Australia’s economic
                                                        destination for resources projects.                                                         Australia uses the G20 to build            recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic
                                                                                                                                                    consensus on policies that liberalise      and long-term goals for strengthening
                                                        Contact us at: resources@industry.gov.au for information about the Global                   trade and promote the global rules-        the competitiveness of Australian
                                                        Resources Strategy.                                                                         based trading system.                      service suppliers.

20   business envoy                                                                                      Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade   Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade                                                                       business envoy   21
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