The Australian Defence Export Office and Austrade have taken the first steps towards delivering enhanced export support for Australian defence businesses, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to engage dedicated local industry experts in key export markets.
Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne said that partnering with Austrade will capitalise on whole-of-government expertise and knowledge of foreign markets to assist Australian defence industry to access greater export opportunities.
“Cooperation between Austrade and the Defence Export Office is one of a range of initiatives being delivered under the Defence Export Strategy, to drive a more competitive defence industry to support Australian Defence Force capability,” Minister Pyne said.
“A strong, internationally competitive and sustainable defence industry is key to meeting Australia’s current and future defence capability needs.”
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment,Steven Ciobo said that local industry experts, working closely with the Defence Export Office, will provide advice and support for Australian defence businesses using Austrade’s established international networks to assist in navigating foreign markets.
“The MoU is another step in supporting the Defence Export Strategy and employing industry experts across several overseas Austrade offices will assist exporters in navigating foreign markets to grow their business,” Minister Ciobo said.
“Growing the defence export sector will boost the Australian economy and build upon the Turnbull Coalition Government‘s strong record of job creation.”
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed following last month’s inaugural Defence Export Forum. The Forum, which aims to provide an integrated national approach to Defence exports, included representatives from Commonwealth agencies, state and territory governments and industry peak bodies.
Austrade and the Defence Export Office will work closely to support targeted multi-year campaigns and deliver integrated support for defence exporters.
In a move aimed at creating opportunities for Australian defence businesses to become part of the global supply chain, a trade mission comprising around 50 Australian businesses will be travelling to Europe today to visit key sites operated by the global supply chain primes including BAE System, Thales and Rheinmetall.