Austrade

Austrade is the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, an Australian Government agency. It helps Australian businesses sell goods and services abroad and brings foreign investment into Australia.

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About Austrade

The agency has over 100 offices at home and around the world. It is a statutory agency within the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Its staff use local knowledge and ties with decision-makers to help clients. Austrade also delivers government programs and shares commercial insights to inform government policy.

For exporters, Austrade offers advice, market analysis and industry insights. Sector specialists in Australia and advisers overseas help firms understand local markets and make contacts. The agency runs Export Market Development Grants, which help small and medium businesses start and grow their exports. A Trade Resilience Service gives practical advice when supply chains are disrupted. TradeStart advisers, a partnership with state, territory and local governments, industry groups and chambers of commerce, help small exporters. The Landing Pads program helps tech scaleups expand into new markets with coaching and introductions to partners and venture capital.

On investment, Austrade promotes inward investment that creates jobs. It gives advice on opportunities in Australia, for example in green energy. Its advisers help possible investors find industry, market and regulatory contacts. It also connects overseas importers to Australian suppliers.

Austrade is the government agency responsible for tourism policy, programs and official data. It runs a long-term plan for the visitor economy called THRIVE 2030 and administers tourism grants. Tourism Research Australia, its research branch, publishes official tourism statistics. In education, Austrade encourages international students to study in Australia. It also helps Australian universities and colleges connect with partners overseas.

Regional programs include the South Asia Business Exchange and the Australia Southeast Asia Business Exchange, which aim to raise trade with those regions. The Accessing New Markets Initiative is an A$55 million program that helps exporters reach new markets. Austrade also runs the Australian Export Awards. It does not handle GST questions or import advice, which go to other agencies.