2‑Day Export Ready Workshop for First Nations businesses from across NSW

2‑Day Export Ready Workshop for First Nations businesses from across NSW

It’s always energising to be in a room with motivated, aspiring exporters, who genuinely seek to learn and engage in constructive conversation, and generously share insights with their peers.

Last week, Export Council of Australia delivered a 2‑Day Export Ready Workshop for First Nations businesses from across NSW, in partnership with DPIRD and Investment NSW.

Across the two days, we explored the practical building blocks for export success, including research, pricing, logistics and documentation, marketing, leveraging free trade agreements, protecting trademarks, and identifying potential buyers overseas.

But the strongest themes were about the passion that entrepreneurs bring to the business, and the importance of building relationships. While having a precise pitch is important, it’s the connection, trust, cultural understanding, and genuine engagement that open doors long before commercial transactions take place.

Another insight that resonated was the timeline. Sustainable export growth rarely happens overnight. In many markets, it can take up to three years to build the right foundations of strategy, resourcing, partnerships and persistence. That long‑game mindset is what turns early interest into lasting opportunity.

What stood out most was the quality of engagement in the room. Participants asked thoughtful questions, shared experiences, and supported one another’s ambitions. That willingness to contribute — that is, to be present and engaged — helps strengthen the whole ecosystem.

We wish every participating business continued success as you grow your reach, both here at home and internationally. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the workshop such a collaborative and insightful two days.

Scott Morgan; Craig Jenkins; Warren Martin; Sharon F.; Phil Thompson; Fiona Harrison; Sharon Winsor; Caressa Murphy; Eric Brown; Matthew J Talley; Simon Moate; Arnold Jorge; Stefanie Harter; Native Secrets Australia; Chocolate On Purpose; Indigiearth; Caressa Designs; Natcha Cultural Tours

Brand Riverina Export Roundtable in Griffith

Brand Riverina Export Roundtable in Griffith

On 17 March, the Export Council of Australia successfully hosted the Brand Riverina Export Roundtable in Griffith, bringing together exporters, industry leaders, and government representatives to explore the evolving export landscape in regional New South Wales.

The discussion highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing businesses across the Riverina. A key theme was the importance of regional identity and provenance, with strong agreement that a unified and well-articulated brand is essential to elevate the region’s global competitiveness across sectors, including food, beverage, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing.

From an industry perspective, exporters shared a number of real-world challenges, including:
• Increasing cost pressures across shipping, energy, and labour
• Ongoing market access and regulatory complexities
• The need for skilled workforce development
• Infrastructure limitations impacting supply chain efficiency

At the same time, the conversation reinforced clear strategic priorities for export growth, including:
• Diversification of markets supported by Free Trade Agreements
• Greater investment in innovation and value-added production
• Stronger storytelling and branding to differentiate regional products globally
• Proactive planning and partnerships to navigate global volatility

The roundtable also reinforced the value of community engagement and collaboration, with a shared commitment to strengthening the Riverina’s export capability through ongoing dialogue, advocacy, and practical support.

A special thank you to:
Robert Lansdown – TradeStart Adviser | Export, Investment NSW
Mayor Doug Curran, Griffith City Council
Scott Grant, General Manager, Griffith City Council
Shireen Donaldson, Director of Economic and Organisational Development, Griffith City Council
for your strong support and ongoing commitment to the Griffith and Riverina trade community.

Finally, a sincere thank you to all attendees for your valuable insights and contributions. The Export Council of Australia looks forward to continuing these important conversations and supporting exporters across NSW as they grow and take Australia to the world.

Vietnam–Western Australia Economic Forum

Vietnam–Western Australia Economic Forum

The Export Council of Australia was pleased to participate in the Vietnam–Western Australia Economic Forum last week, where our CEO, Arnold Jorge, and Senior Manager Capability, Stefanie Harter, joined business and government leaders to discuss the future of Australia–Vietnam economic engagement.

ECA highlighted three key messages shaping the path ahead:

1. Global uncertainty makes diversification essential.  With supply chains shifting, geopolitical tensions intensifying, and markets becoming more volatile, Australian exporters need a broader set of reliable partnerships. Vietnam’s stability, openness, and growing regional influence make it a critical partner in building resilience.

2. Vietnam and Australia offer highly complementary strengths.  Vietnam’s scale in mass manufacturing and its reliability as a supply hub align strongly with Australia’s advanced niche production, premium inputs, and marketing and design expertise. Together, these strengths create genuine opportunities for co‑development, co‑branding, and long‑term commercial partnerships.

3. Sector opportunities are expanding and commercially grounded.  Momentum is building in areas such as:

  • Construction materials and furniture, supported by Vietnam’s manufacturing depth
  • Green technologies and energy transition, where both countries share strategic priorities
  • AI, cyber, and digital services, offering scope for capability uplift and joint innovation

The strong turnout and engagement at the Forum reflect a shared appetite for deeper, more strategic cooperation.

ECA thanks the Consulate General of Viet Nam and the Western Australia Vietnam Business Council (WAVBC) for hosting an excellent event. We look forward to continuing our work with partners across both countries to support exporters and strengthen Australia–Vietnam economic ties.

Nguyen Thanh Ha, Tran Thi Thanh My, Douglas Le, Robyn Robb, Cong-Thang HUYNH EMBA