ECA pleased to join Austrade’s newly announced Trade Diversification Network (TDN)

The Export Council of Australia is proud to be a member of the newly established Trade Diversification Network (TDN).  The TDN is a national effort launched by Senator the Hon. Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism.  It is part of the Australian Government’s Accessing New Markets Initiative to help strengthen Australia’s export resilience and open more doors for our exporters.

The TDN brings together 40 national peak industry bodies to work hand in hand with Austrade in designing and delivering targeted activities that help Australian exporters diversify, grow, and build long term resilience.  It forms a core pillar of the Government’s $50 million commitment to supporting exporters in navigating global uncertainty and accessing new and emerging markets.

To learn more about the TDN go to: https://www.austrade.gov.au/en/how-we-can-help-you/programs-and-services/accessing-new-markets-initiative/trade-diversification-network

Why pursue diversification ventures?

In a global environment marked by shifting supply chains, rising protectionism, and geopolitical volatility, diversification is no longer optional — it is essential.  Australia’s long term competitiveness depends on our ability to:

• Expand into a wider range of markets
• Build deeper and more strategic international partnerships
• Strengthen the capability of businesses to adapt and innovate
• Reduce exposure to concentrated market risks.

The TDN is a timely and practical mechanism to help achieve this, combining government reach with industry insight to create a unified national effort.

How should Australia respond?

To thrive in this environment, Australia must:

• Invest in strategic partnerships across the Indo Pacific and beyond
• Support exporters with tailored capability building programs
• Champion innovation and value added production
• Leverage industry expertise to shape market specific initiatives
• Ensure SMEs, including Indigenous and regional businesses, are supported to scale globally.

ECA is committed to contributing its expertise, networks, and on the ground experience to help shape these efforts.

What are your views?

As we begin this important work with Austrade and fellow peak bodies, we would welcome your views on the following:

• What initiatives would best support export diversification?
• What capability building assistance do businesses most need to enter new markets?
• Where do you see the strongest opportunities for strategic partnerships?

We’ll consider your insights and share these as appropriate with the TDN.  Such contributions might help TDN deliver practical, high impact outcomes for Australian exporters.

Together, we can build a more resilient, competitive, and globally connected Australia.

You can reach us anytime at info@export.org.au – we’re here to listen and represent you.

From Farm to Flavor: Traceability Tells the Story

This week in Kuala Lumpur, the Export Council of Australia proudly delivered a series of traceability events — from roundtable discussions to a live demonstration that followed Australian almonds from Belehris Estate all the way to Malaysian cacao transformed into chocolates by Alba Chocolatiers.

This journey wasn’t just about food. It showcased how traceability can unlock strategic partnerships between nations, connecting producers, innovators, and consumers across borders.

Key takeaways from the events:
– Trust & Reputation: Transparent supply chains safeguard brands and build consumer confidence.
– Market Access & Competitiveness: Traceability opens doors to new markets and strengthens global positioning.
– Empowered Consumers: Informed choices drive demand for ethical, sustainable products.
– Collaboration Across Borders: Aligning regulations and adopting digital tools can streamline compliance and reduce trade barriers.
– Sustainability & Ethics: Traceability supports responsible practices and strengthens long‑term industry resilience.

What stood out most was the spirit of collaboration between Australia and Malaysia. A wonderful reminder that traceability is more than a technical system. It’s a pathway to innovation, sustainability, and stronger partnerships in global trade.

A heartfelt thank you to the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for their support. Dr. Kate Makin; Hafiz Burkhan; Jimmy Tan. Thank you also to our key project partners including FreshChain Systems, Greg Calvert, Belehris Estates, Jim and Nina Belehris, and Alba Chocolatiers, Gabriela Sandoval and Asmiriam Roa.

We appreciate everyone’s participation and contributions: Edison Choong; Vivien Lee, KB Ang; Yuki Aizawa 愛澤友己 🇯🇵🇲🇾🇦🇺🇭🇰; Laura Choo; Nordin Abdullah; FGV Prodata Systems; Muhammad Yazid Masol; Christin T., Arvin Salyah; Philip Theoh; Marcus Aramayo; Campbell Schwaiger; Rita Hatta, Mohamed Hussein, Michael Chan; Sharon Brindley; Bella Dining Sdn. Bhd, Jack Yap; Dr. Muhammad Safuan Abdul Latip, PhD.

Together, we’re proving that traceability is more than just tracking product movement. It’s about telling stories of origin, building trust, and shaping the future of international trade.

Export Ready Workshop

Over the past two days (19-20 November), we had the pleasure of delivering a practical Export Ready Workshop to 28 representatives from local NSW businesses.

The passion for doing business globally was clear, and our sessions focused on guiding participants further by sharing insights on topics such as market entry strategies, navigating logistics, financing exports, and pitching for success. With increasing global challenges and risks, thinking outside the box – both in terms of one’s offering and broader business model- is becoming more important than ever.

It was encouraging and inspiring to hear the stories shared by attendees about how they are looking to grow- or expand in- overseas markets. The peer-to-peer networking element once again added a valuable layer to the program’s success.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible keynote speakers from Investment NSW (Tom Ward and Mariana Bortolini), Westpac (Patrick Nguyen, Paul Kenney, Annie S. and Hamish Thomson), FedEx (Chris Monahas and Dean Gum), Export Finance Australia (Colin Pinto and Richard Liang), and China and Beyond (Sara Cheng). Facilitated by our ECA representatives Arnold Jorge and Stefanie Harter, we delivered an engaging, practical and highly interactive program.

Thank you to all attendees who joined us: Abhi Sataya, Brittany Darling, Sagar Raj Chhetri, Dinara Janaratne, Michael Barraclough,Ruckshan Rolin, James Projcevski, Monique Sutevski, Chloe Huang, Paul Pollard, Angie Morris,Zee Dahan, Jacqueline Hutton, Scott Nolan, Jasmin Jenkins,Bruno Ambrosi, Riaz Jacobs, Lisa Jacobs, Tracey De Friskbom, Barnes and Brown Sean, Yalan Lu, Tony Juang, Himanshu

We look forward to delivering a similar initiative next year. If you’d like to register your interest already, please click here: https://lnkd.in/gMu49nAf

2025 Australian Export Awards!

What an inspiring evening celebrating the 2025 Australian Export Awards!

Warm congratulations to all finalists from across Australia’s states and territories, for your outstanding achievements and continued contribution to Australia’s export success.

A special acknowledgement to our NSW category winners:
🏆 Humanitix – Winner, e-Commerce Category
🏆 UOW Global Enterprises – Winner, International Education and Training Category
✨ Flavourtech Pty Ltd – Judges’ Commendation, Regional Exporter Category

Your success not only strengthens Australia’s position in international markets but also inspires the broader business community to aim higher and think globally.

At the Export Council of Australia, we remain committed to supporting and empowering exporters at every stage of their journey — helping businesses grow, connect, and thrive on the world stage.

NSW Export Awards Gala Ceremony 2025 – Showcasing the Spirit of Export Excellence!

On Thursday, 30th October, the Export Council of Australia proudly hosted the 63rd NSW Export Awards Gala Ceremony at the Sydney Event Centre.

400+ guests, 69 finalists, and 19 exceptional winners came together for one truly unforgettable evening — marking the grand finale of the 2025 NSW Export Awards.

It was an unforgettable evening filled with pride, inspiration, and celebration as we came together to honour the remarkable achievements of New South Wales’ leading exporters. ✨

👏 Congratulations to all winners and finalists of the 2025 NSW Export Awards!

Your accomplishments are a testament to the strength, creativity, and determination of NSW businesses that continue to champion Australian excellence around the world.

🏆 Check out the full list of winners here: https://lnkd.in/gDW2nH3C

A special thank you to our esteemed presenters for announcing winners across 18 categories, including the coveted NSW Exporter of the Year award.

We were honoured to have The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP, NSW Minister for Industry and Trade, join us in recognising these outstanding exporters and celebrating their contributions to Australia’s prosperit

Our deepest gratitude goes to our valued partners: Investment NSW, DHL Express, Export Finance Australia, BDO, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, ALTIOS International, and Regional Development Australia Sydney. Your support made this event possible.

📸 View the highlights of this incredible night celebrating excellence in export here: https://lnkd.in/gvnn_yk6

Engineering a Stronger Australia-Philippines Trade Future

We are proud to announce that the Export Council of Australia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines Inc. (IIEE)

This partnership creates new opportunities for collaboration between Australian and Filipino professionals in the electrical engineering and infrastructure sectors. It focuses on the exchange of best practices, technical expertise, and the development of joint commercial projects.

More than a technical alliance, this MOU reflects a shared commitment to deepening two-way trade and investment between our nations. By fostering strategic partnerships and encouraging industry-led innovation, we aim to unlock new opportunities across energy, manufacturing, and smart infrastructure. These are areas where our countries bring complementary strengths.

We look forward to working closely with IIEE to transform shared knowledge into shared prosperity. This collaboration is powered by the exceptional talent, technical depth, and entrepreneurial spirit found in both Australia and the Philippines.

Export Ready Workshops in Papua New Guinea

Last week, Export Council of Australia was proud to deliver Export Ready Workshops in Port Moresby and Lae, as part of the APEC Growing Indigenous Business Through Trade Initiative—funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and supported by the Papua New Guinea National Trade Office (NTO), a key agency within the PNG Government.

Led by ECA Chair Dianne Tipping and Senior Manager Stefanie Harter, the workshops welcomed 36 entrepreneurs from across PNG, representing sectors including agriculture (coffee, vanilla, spices, cocoa), jewellery, tech, consulting, and tourism.

The energy was high, with participants eager to learn, share, and expand their businesses. The program focused on practical tools and peer learning to help businesses take confident steps into international markets. Topics included market entry strategies, Incoterms, HS codes, payment methods, IP protection, alternative business models, and international pricing.

Strong female leadership was a clear highlight at the workshops. There was deep pride in heritage, a commitment to quality, and a readiness to engage globally. There is significant potential for these businesses to grow and for new opportunities to follow. And so we look forward to continued collaboration between DFAT, ECA, and the NTO to support capability, market access, and long-term resilience.

We extend heartfelt thanks to the Australian Acting Consul-General Claudia Cooney for her inspiring remarks in Lae, and to Ruby Yamina for her engagement with participants. We would also like to acknowledge Katherine Vouzas from DFAT’s APEC Team for supporting this initiative.

Special appreciation to the team at the National Trade Office—Rebecca Maniat, Ipili Yapu, Loh Waisa, and Elina Leo—for their generous support throughout the program design and delivery.

We also acknowledge the invaluable facilitation support from Dr. Joel Waramboi (Wia Trade Enterprise) and John Byrne (Lae Chamber of Commerce & Industry), who separately enabled and encouraged attendance from a wide range of businesses.

Thank you to all participating entrepreneurs—we look forward to seeing your businesses grow, your networks deepen, and your stories reach global markets.

hashtag#ExportReady hashtag#PNGEntrepreneurs hashtag#IndigenousBusinesses hashtag#InternationalTrade hashtag#APEC hashtag#DFAT hashtag#SMEgrowth hashtag#FemaleLeadership hashtag#Agriculture hashtag#Tourism hashtag#Tech

Dr. Joel Waramboi from Wia Trade Enterprise Limited, Solomon Sar from Sojona Integrated Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihood, John Byrne from Lae Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Ruth Bihoro from Salamata GH & Tours, Janise Banjoi from Lae City Tourism Bureau and Lae City Authority, Maine Winny from Lae City Tourism Bureau and Lae City Authority, Danny Miag from Lae City Tourism Bureau and Lae City Authority, Jimmy John from Lae Tourism Services and Culture and Tourism Marketing, Pamela Yanna from Tami Arts and Craft Trade & Cruise Shipping, Albertha Linibi from Women in Agriculture Association, Tony Walega from Southern Enterprise Service, Marilyn Menz from LNM Services PNG, Rebecca Ambok from Nakama Agribusiness, Margret Papau from Maggies Farm, Jeremiah Nii from Baiyer Agro, Kwina Ambang from Agro Tourism Business. Tina Manamb from Kumul Organics, Meisy Edmung from Oshin Organics, Nellie Vamari from Central Mamina Coffee, Israelyn Daga from Central Mamina Coffe, Florence Kaen from Pairon’s Boutique, Susan Piari from Pairon’s Boutique, Mark Paul from Masa Coffee Producers, Priscilla Kevin from PNG ICT Cluster, Vagiriki Dickson from PNG ICT Cluster, Jeromy Kevin from Kokonas, John Susub from Fresh Produce Development, Maureen Charlie from Bilum & Bilas Foundation, Selina Navi from Bilum & Bilas Foundation, Finely Jacob from Muguaneh Coffee, Yole Kapili from SME Corporation, Luke William from SME Corporation, Morris Bogive from Melah’s Fashion Tailoring, Martha Raka from Co Advantage Alliance, Ghamug from Mountain Kava Limited, Debbrah Yalu from PNG Solardry Limited