HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2013–14

Supported Australia Week in China and other overseas business missions

The Australia Week in China business mission, held in April 2014, was attended by the Prime Minister and the Minister for Trade and Investment, along with more than 700 Australian business representatives. Other missions supported by Austrade included visits to Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, Korea, the United States and Canada. See pages 38 and 81.

Attracted productive foreign direct investment to Australia

An important new opportunity for attracting investment into Australia was the appointment of a Minister not just for trade, but also for investment. During 2013–14, Austrade organised investment roundtables in markets around the world, enabling the Minister for Trade and Investment to systematically, for the first time, meet directly with potential investors and promote Australia as an investment destination. Austrade also significantly contributed to 72 inward investments during the year. See page 59.

Positioned Australia as a provider of quality education and training

Austrade created the ‘Win your Future Unlimited’ competition—a global digital campaign—which raised the profile of Australia as a study destination for international students. There were 37,000 entries received from 172 countries. See page 57.

Given responsibility for strengthening Australia’s tourism industry

In October 2013, Austrade took on responsibility for implementing the national long-term tourism strategy, Tourism 2020, and for providing policy advice to the Government to help increase Australia’s tourism market share. See page 105.

Provided practical advice to businesses

In 2013–14, Austrade provided 15,026 services to 6,608 Australian businesses, which was a 28 per cent increase in services on the previous year. Austrade’s annual service improvement study found that 89 per cent of Austrade’s clients were satisfied with their dealings with Austrade during the last 12 months, while 73 per cent said they achieved a commercial outcome as a result of working with Austrade. See pages 26 and 27.

Provided consular and passport services

In 2013–14, Austrade processed 11,571 passport applications and performed 14,342 notarial acts. At 30 June 2014, Austrade operated consulates in 16 overseas locations. See page 101.

Administered trade development schemes

The Export Market Development Grants scheme paid a total of $113.6 million to 2,445 recipients in 2013–14. The scheme provides an incentive for businesses to enter into export and grow to become sustainable exporters. See page 85.

Ninety-five grant applications were made under the Asian Business Engagement Plan with 27 small to medium-sized Australian businesses receiving grants to develop new initiatives and strengthen commercial opportunities in Asia. See page 97.

Collaborated on new research into Australia’s international business engagement

In March 2014, Austrade, with the Export Council of Australia, the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation and the University of Sydney, produced the Australia’s International Business Survey: 2014 report. The survey provided insight into the overseas markets Australian businesses would target in the next two years, and the challenges they face. See page 20.