First Nations Southeast Asia Economic Strategy Dialogue

On 10 April 2024, First Nations Foreign Policy Fellow Sarah Leary joined a gathering of First Nations business leaders from across Australia at a First Nations Southeast Asia Economic Strategy Dialogue, co-hosted by the Noongar Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Southeast Asia is one of the world’s fastest-growing regions and is expected to drive global economic growth through to 2040 and beyond. The dialogue was an important opportunity for First Nations business leaders to inform Australia’s trade and investment policy toward this dynamic region and discuss the ways we can leverage this growth for the benefit of First Nations enterprises, communities, and people.
 
Ideas and reflections from the dialogue were shared with Commonwealth, State and Territory (S&T) Trade and Investment Ministers the following day. At this meeting, S&T Ministers agreed to progress work in partnership with the First Nations business sector on a Statement of Intent on how governments will work together to improve trade and investment outcomes for First Nations Australians in 2024; and in-principle agreement to include a First Nations Export Awards category in the Australian Export Awards commencing in 2025.

Image courtesy of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.