The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) has signed a strategic partnership with Australia’s national centre for Asia capability, Asialink Business, to develop opportunities for Australian businesses to enter and succeed in Asian markets.
Established in 2013, Asialink Business is supported by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, and is Australia’s leading centre for engagement with Asia, hosted by the University of Melbourne.
Signed in Canberra today (20 November), the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Austrade and Asialink Business will focus on building capability and awareness of markets in Southeast Asia and South Asia, to support local businesses looking to engage in Asia.
The news comes following significant difficulties for businesses in a shifting market, with Incite's annual survey showing 97 per cent of importers and distributors across the Asia Pacific Region are actively reviewing new distribution opportunities.
Austrade acting CEO, Daniel Boyer, said the organisation is focused on helping Australian businesses build knowledge and capability in key sectors across Asia, including in the digital and green economies, agrifood, consumer goods, and education.
“This partnership will help more businesses to quickly understand the value and enormous opportunity of Asia, particularly in Southeast and South Asia, as Australia strengthens its economic ties with the region,” said Boyer.
“The MOU reflects a shared vision for Australia’s economic future, fostering an Asia-capable business community that contributes to national prosperity by building lasting ties with our closest neighbours.”
Initiatives under the partnership will include:
- Awareness and knowledge building: Joint campaigns, events, and the Asialink Business Doing Business Guides—accessible via Austrade’s Go Global Toolkit—will equip Australian businesses with essential insights for success in Asia.
- Capability uplifting: Asialink Business’s targeted learning programs to upskill businesses, will build a pipeline of Asia-ready exporters, accessible via Austrade’s trade mission programs and promoted widely through Austrade’s digital channels for maximum reach and impact.
- Ecosystem collaboration: Together, Austrade and Asialink Business will activate a robust partner network, including state trade agencies, industry bodies, business councils, and diaspora communities to foster greater capacity within Australia’s trade ecosystem.
Asialink Business CEO, Leigh Howard, said the partnership was an exciting opportunity for the organisation to elevate its impact by aligning with Austrade’s scale and reach.
“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,” said Howard.
