Current Opportunities
Australia's new Roadmap for Economic Engagement with India
There has never been a better time to engage economically with India: already the most populous country in the world, India's economy is growing at pace. In 2023, India was our fourth-largest export market and remains on track to be the world's third-largest economy by the end of this decade. Australia is well positioned to both benefit from and contribute to India's growth story – provided we target our efforts wisely. Public input is vital to informing the new roadmap, particularly from First Nations stakeholders. That is why the Australian Government is opening consultations on A New Roadmap for Australia's Economic Engagement with India.
The public consultation round will remain open until 5 August 2024. Information on how to express your interest in participating or to provide a written submission can be found through the link above.
Singapore-Australia Go Green Co-Innovation Program – Round 2
The Go Green Co-Innovation Program (GGCIP) is a grant scheme made available under the Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement (GEA). The scheme is open to Australian SMEs and Singapore businesses seeking to collaborate, develop and execute joint projects that help to boost trade and commerce in green sectors. Funded projects will aim to deliver new or enhanced products, services or solutions in these sectors, including renewable and clean energy, sustainable agribusiness and food, energy reduction technology and environmental monitoring analysis and assessment.
Early this year DFAT and Enterprise Singapore awarded grants to five Australian SMEs and their Singapore business partners under GGCIP's first grant round. Each of the five Australian SMEs received $500,000.
A second round will open in mid-2024 with a total of $7.5 million in funding made available to Australian SMEs that partner with eligible Singapore businesses. The value of funding offered to each eligible project is between $150,000 (minimum) and $500,000 (maximum). Applicants needing assistance in finding a potential Singapore business partner are invited to register at the B2Match website.
To learn more contact: ggcip@dfat.gov.au and register on GrantConnect to receive notifications about this grant opportunity.
Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership (CEPA) Free Trade Agreement consultations
Negotiations for the Australia-UAE CEPA Free Trade Agreement are ongoing. First Nations trade and investment leads met with interested stakeholders on 26 June, including members of the First Nations Trade and Investment Reference Group, for a confidential update and to canvas stakeholder views. If you missed the drop-in session and are interested in more information or sharing your views, please email the UAE CEPA negotiation team at UAECEPA@dfat.gov.au or feel free to reach out to the First Nations Trade Unit at firstnationstrade@dfat.gov.au.
National Foundation for Australia-China Relations 2024-25 Grants Round – opening soon for applications
The National Foundation for Australia-China Relations promotes and coordinates enhanced cooperation between Australia and China, in support of Australia's national interests. Since its establishment in 2020, the Foundation has invested approximately $25 million of grants funding into 150 projects. Approximately $7 million grants funding is available each year through an open and competitive application process.
The 2024-25 grants round will open soon. For more information, visit the Foundation's website to learn more about the projects funded to date. You can also register to "Become a friend of the Foundation" and receive alerts on events and grants round updates via the link above.
IP Australia Indigenous Knowledge Panel Pilot
IP Australia aims to better support the cultural integrity and economic potential of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the intellectual property (IP) system.
That's why we're currently inviting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to be a part of an Indigenous Knowledge Panel pilot to help ensure that policy positions and procedures are directly informed by them.
Applications are now open through AusTender. Applications close on 7 August 2024. To make it easy for applicants to navigate the process, we have created a space with information on how to apply, FAQs and we will be hosting an information session on 17 July 2024.
Upcoming feedback opportunity – Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment's First Nations Statement of Intent
At the third meeting of the Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment, Commonwealth, State and Territory Trade Ministers agreed to progress work in partnership with the First Nations business sector on a Statement of Intent (Statement). The Statement's purpose is collaborate to improve the trade and investment outcomes for First Nations businesses and will include an agreed schedule of actions and commitments. The initial draft of the Statement has been developed in collaboration between the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments. An opportunity to provide comments and feedback on the initial draft Statement will be distributed to the First Nations Trade and Investment Reference Group next week.
Recent News
Update to the Commonwealth Government's Indigenous Procurement Policy
The Department of Finance has introduced changes to provide greater opportunities for First Nations businesses when using the mandatory Whole of Australian Government Management Advisory Services (MAS) panel and the People Panel.
In recognition of the constraints this imposes on departments in contracting with First Nations businesses, the Department of Finance has introduced a new flexibility allowance of 5% to allow entities to procure directly from First Nation businesses who are not a member of these panels.
Want more information? Check the Department of Finance's website via the following links:
If you have any further questions about the above, please feel free to reach out to the First Nations Trade Unit at firstnationstrade@dfat.gov.au.