A landmark partnership aimed at enhancing Australian businesses’ ability to engage with Asian markets has been established between the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and Asialink Business, Australia’s National Centre for Asia Capability.
The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in Canberra, seeks to provide targeted support for Australian businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to navigate and succeed in key Asian markets.
The partnership prioritises building business capability and awareness in Southeast and South Asia, aligning with the Australian Government’s Invested: Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. This framework underscores the growing importance of these regions in Australia’s economic future.
Under the agreement, Austrade and Asialink Business will jointly deliver a suite of initiatives, including:
- Awareness and knowledge building: Collaborative campaigns, events, and the development of Asialink Business’s Doing Business Guides, accessible through Austrade’s Go Global Toolkit, to provide businesses with essential market insights.
- Capability uplift: Delivery of Asialink Business’s specialized learning programs, integrated with Austrade’s trade missions, to cultivate a pipeline of Asia-ready exporters.
- Ecosystem collaboration: Activation of a broad partner network comprising state trade agencies, industry bodies, business councils, and diaspora communities to strengthen Australia’s trade ecosystem.
Austrade Acting CEO Daniel Boyer emphasised the partnership’s role in bolstering Australian businesses’ engagement with Asian markets.
“This partnership will help more businesses, faster, to understand the value and enormous opportunity of Asia, particularly in Southeast and South Asia, as Australia strengthens its economic ties with the region,” Boyer stated.
He noted that the collaboration supports businesses in key sectors, including the digital economy, green industries, agrifood, consumer goods, and education.
Asialink Business CEO Leigh Howard described the partnership as a pivotal step in supporting businesses’ ambitions in Asia.
“By combining the strengths of two trusted organisations, we’re not just providing tools and resources but creating a connected pathway that builds confidence, capability, and success for Australian businesses in Asia,” Howard said.
The initiative reinforces Australia’s commitment to fostering an Asia-capable business community, contributing to national prosperity by building enduring relationships with neighbouring markets.
Through joint efforts, Austrade and Asialink Business aim to unlock Asia’s immense economic potential, offering practical support for businesses at all stages of their export journey.
