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ECA attends ACT Export Day

We left the ACT Exporting Day feeling energised after meeting top businesses including Cypher Brewing Co, HiveIQ, Department 13, Saab, L3Harris Technologies, Mainfreight, Moulis Legal, and many more. The forum brought together passionate entrepreneurs and business leaders who generously shared their experiences, challenges, and strategies for growth.
At the Export Council of Australia, we believe that exporting isn’t just about products crossing borders—it’s about relationships, resilience, and continuous learning. Our CEO, Arnold Jorge, along with Stefanie Harter and My Nguyen, were pleased to represent ECA at the event, and connecting with businesses eager to enhance their global engagement.

Key reminders from the day? Persistence is key, foster genuine relationships, continue to invest in research, and tap into foreign government missions located in Canberra — these principles apply whether you’re making your first international sale or scaling up in new markets.

A huge thank you to the ACT Government, Brendan Smyth, and Matt Heffernan for creating a space where these important conversations can thrive. We’re excited to continue supporting ACT businesses as they explore new opportunities abroad.

Kansas State University Visit

Always great to connect with the next generation of leaders!

On Monday, we gladly welcomed professors and Master students from Kansas State University for a discussion on the Australian market and Australia’s trade with the world.

The conversation touched on a variety of issues complementing academic studies with real world business examples and practical approaches.

We discussed e-commerce and navigating cross-border regulations, capital-raising especially through the private market, planning techniques for global uncertainty, and strategic partnerships and networks.

The participating students demonstrated their acumen with incisive questions and comments. We look forward to staying connected with you.

A big thank you to the Sydney Stock Exchange (SSX) for hosting, and to our keynote speakers Sara Cheng from China&Beyond, and Marcus Ritchie from FloatX, for sharing valuable insights.

All the best for the remainder of your study tour in Australia. We commend the leadership of Professors Brett Wilkinson and Amy Hageman!

Selling your Goods through e-Commerce in China Event in Sydney

Today’s session with NSW exporters highlighted that when it comes to e-commerce opportunities in China, success doesn’t happen overnight. You need a robust strategy from the beginning, along with commitment and flexibility, and the right market intelligence.

Key takeaways from the insightful discussion with our CEO Arnold Jorge, Sara Cheng of China and Beyond, and Duo (Doris) Yang of WorldFirst included:

• The majority of imported goods sold in China are through online channels.
• Chinese consumers are drawn to goods with proven benefits and unique features (you may be surprised by what is considered unique about your product – a market expert can help you assess).
• Choose the right e-commerce channels and communicate your official accounts so that consumers know where they can buy your products.
• It is essential to register your trademark, logo, and create a brand name in Chinese that resonates with your offering.
• Check that your product packaging, brand messaging and sizing is appropriate for the market.
• Allow time to ensure you meet regulatory regulations – product registration may vary depending on your product type.
• There are a range of Chinese consumer behaviours such as leveraging technology for purchasing e.g. AI-led decision making, and buying trial size products before committing to full sized products.
• There are regular key promotional periods in China, so your marketing will need to be tailored for annual events and promotions.
• Consumers are savvy when it comes to pricing, so make sure that your online price in China is reasonably comparable to your domestic pricing.
• Be patient, ready to adapt and commit to a long-term strategy.

Advance Export Program

As part of our commitment to inclusive trade, we were delighted to support Supply Nation and EY to deliver training for First Nations businesses to enhance their global trade success.

Discussions on the first day included effective customer research and engagement, business model innovation, brand management, and Incoterms.

Thank you to Supply Nation, EY, doq®, FR8WISE, and all the participants.

Sydney Build Expo 2025

We (Export Council of Australia) are proud to have sponsored the International Construction Stage at the Sydney Build Expo 2025. The Stage provided the platform for discussions among business representatives in the construction, engineering, design, and energy industries.

A range of topics were covered including cross-border partnerships, access to reliable workforce, application of sustainable materials, environmental design, and government assistance. We appreciated the trade partner countries/ jurisdictions that participated in the discussions, such as Austria, Philippines, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Hungary, UAE, Hong Kong, Latvia, Indonesia, Brazil and Vietnam.

We are pleased to have facilitated the sharing of insights and potential future collaboration at a global scale. Please do not hesitate to contact ECA (info@export.org.au) if you have any questions or wish to connect with others in Australia and beyond.

2025 NSW Export Awards Launch at NSW Parliament House

The 2025 NSW Export Awards were launched at NSW Parliament House last evening.

Minister for Industry and Trade, and Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP launched the awards.

In attendance were more than 70 exporters from all areas of trade including creative arts, health, technology, manufacturing, services, agriculture and many more sectors.

The event also acknowledged the 2024 NSW Export Award winners as well as the finalists for the previous years’ awards: https://lnkd.in/gqMUBm7m

The Minister highlighted the depth and breadth of NSW exporters and encouraged all exporters to apply for the 2025 Awards.

📸 View the highlights of this event through the media link: https://lnkd.in/ggAEw3EM

We remind everyone that the Awards Portal 2025 is now open: https://lnkd.in/g5vRiTya