Indigenous Diplomacy Agenda – Trade and Economic Policy

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Indigenous Diplomacy Agenda (IDA) seeks to elevate indigenous issues in the work of the foreign affairs and trade portfolio. It is framed by the Australian Government’s commitment to work in partnership with Indigenous Australians.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is working as a portfolio to maximise opportunities for Indigenous Australia and indigenous peoples to better access, and benefit from, the global trading system.

“We have a vision for a world where the rights and traditions of Indigenous people are respected; where open markets facilitate the free flow of trade, capital and ideas for Indigenous businesses; and where Indigenous peoples are participants and beneficiaries of the international system.”
Indigenous Diplomacy Agenda, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2021)

Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement

Australia has joined the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA) to strengthen the economic empowerment of indigenous peoples in the region.

Our region is home to more than 270 million Indigenous peoples who have a long and rich history of participating in trade and commerce. Indigenous peoples play an integral role in the societies and economies of our region, and this arrangement will focus on further unlocking their economic potential and increasing trade and investment opportunities.

IPETCA aims to help expand business networks for Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs across the region, including for micro- small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), Indigenous women and Indigenous youth.