Whether you're an Australian business looking to internationalise your business or an international company looking for opportunities within Australia, Austrade can assist.

For Australian exporters, we have a comprehensive mix of information and customised services to help you do business with overseas markets and understand foreign regulations and business practices.

For international companies, we provide the contacts and information you need to establish your business successfully within Australia or to make the right decision in sourcing Australian products or services.

Over the next twelve months, Austrade will embark on a change program to create a more contemporary and sustainable organisation in order to deliver greater value for the business community and for the Government.

This will result in some changes to the Austrade programs and services listed below. The full change program is outlined in Reform of the Australian Trade Commission: Maximising our value (PDF).

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Austrade’s services to Australian companies

Austrade’s export facilitation services are focused on providing support to Australian businesses in growth and emerging markets, where there is high demand for our services and where we can add the most value. As a result, Austrade does not offer a full range of export facilitation services in all overseas markets; in some markets we will provide you with selected alternative service providers.

Austrade’s services to Australian companies include:

• Online advice on how to prepare for export – including country and industry information, help identifying international partners and access to Austrade seminars and events.
• Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) and information on export financing, including referrals to other government financial assistance programs.
• Selecting markets and market entry strategy – including help identifying the right international partners, tailored research on potential international markets and free trade agreements, understanding the needs of international buyers and advice on developing a market entry strategy for your product or service.
• Buyer/partner identification and selection – including introductions to potential customers visiting Australia and searching overseas markets for relevant buyers/partners.
• Assistance in overseas markets, including advice on local practices and culture, market challenges, help with translation and interpreting and logistical support.
• Proactive help in identifying new export opportunities, including introductions to potential buyers through Austrade’s online database and extensive overseas networks.

Austrade services to international investors

Austrade is responsible for the promotion, attraction and facilitation of productive foreign direct investment (FDI) into Australia.
We are the first national point-of-contact for all investment enquiries. Working in partnership with business and all levels of government (national, state and territory), we provide investors with the information needed to establish or expand a business in Australia.

Available assistance to potential international investors includes:

• Initial coordination of investment enquiries and assistance.
• Information on the Australian business and regulatory environment.
• Market intelligence and investment opportunities.
• Identification of suitable investment locations and partners in Australia.
• Advice on Australian government programs and approval processes.

Our services to international companies are free, comprehensive and confidential. To deliver the greatest value to the Australian economy, our services are focused on promoting Australia as a competitive investment destination and attracting productive foreign direct investment (FDI) that is of strategic importance to the Australian economy, builds Australian capabilities and enhances productivity.

More detail on how we can help is available from the Investment section of this website.

Austrade services to international buyers

Austrade also assists international buyers to source goods and services from Australia or to identify strategic Australian business partners.

Why does Austrade charge fees for some services?

General information is provided free of charge to our clients and is available either through this website or by speaking with Austrade. 
The Australian Government cost recovery policy requires Austrade to charge Australian enterprises for services in some circumstances.

Austrade provides a wide range of its services free that are available to all Australian businesses and international companies. Only where Austrade starts to work intensively in the direct interest and benefit of an individual Australian business will it commence charging for services. As these services provide benefits for a specific business, it is appropriate that the business covers the cost of the services.

Specific tailored advice is provided to thousands of Australian companies each year based on a quote in advance.  Our fees are based on an hourly rate of $190 per hour, and our service levels are guaranteed. 

Austrade's charging policy aims to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently, with Austrade clients paying an appropriate amount to cover the cost of service provision. 

Further details are provided in Austrade's Cost Recovery Impact Statement.

Contact us for more information.