Online event
Diplomatic Advisory Hub presents: Introduction to Australia as an export and investment destination
Wednesday 04 November at 9:00AM
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Join UK and Australian experts to explore the latest opportunities and developments shaping one of the UK's closest trading relationships.
What you’ll learn
- Gain valuable introductory insights into Australia’s culture, trade, and shared democratic values
- Receive practical insights into exporting and expanding overseas
- Learn about available support and resources to UK businesses from the UK Government and Australian counterparts
Description
During the webinar, attendees will gain valuable introductory insights into Australia's business culture, trade landscape, and the shared democratic values that underpin the UK-Australia partnership. Our expert panel will also provide practical advice on exporting to and expanding within the Australian market, alongside information on the support, resources, and services available from the UK Government and Australian counterparts to help businesses succeed.
The session will begin with a facilitated discussion featuring our expert speakers, followed by an interactive Q&A session, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions and receive tailored advice directly from those supporting UK-Australia trade.
Speakers
Richard Cowin
British Consul General, Queensland and Northern Territory and Country Director for Trade and Investment, Australia, UK Government
Richard Cowin, British Consul General, Queensland and Northern Territory and Country Director for Trade and Investment, Australia – Richard leads the UK Government’s trade and investment work across Australia. Prior to this, Richard was Counsellor for Healthcare and Life Sciences at the British Embassy in Beijing from 2019 to 2022. In previous diplomatic roles, he served in Vietnam, South Korea and Japan, covering political, economic and trade issues. In 2021, Richard was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contribution to the UK’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Ian Smith
Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, UK & Ireland, Australian Trade and Investment Commission
Ian Smith, Austrade’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, UK & Ireland - Ian has more than 25 years private and public sector experience in international trade and investment across multiple regions and industries.
Ian previously served as Australian Trade Commissioner for the mid-west region of the United States and more recently established Australia’s first fully dedicated regional Investment Promotion Agency and associated strategy in the state of New South Wales (NSW). As a leading investment attraction practitioner he has a proven track record of attracting, supporting and delivering catalytic FDI projects. Known for developing and leading high-performance teams, Ian also has an intimate knowledge of global business and hands on experience of key drivers for successful market entry.
In his previous role, Ian led a team of over 100 economic development, workforce, aboriginal economic development and business attraction specialists that aimed to leave a legacy for regional NSW by driving sustainable economic development. Ian grew up near Wellington, NSW which is 5 hours’ drive west of Sydney. He is passionate about fostering vibrant and sustainable communities across Australia by increasing exports and driving investment to deliver long-term business growth, strong local economies and high value job creation.
Richard Oppenheim
Director, Diplomatic Advisory Hub
Richard Oppenheim is Director of the Diplomatic Advisory Hub, a joint initiative between the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC). Housed at the BCC Headquarters in London, the Hub provides trusted, actionable FCDO geopolitical insight to businesses across the UK in support of the UK government’s growth mission.
Richard brings with him a wealth of diplomatic experience across some of the world’s most complex and strategically important markets in the Middle East, and Japan. Richard has served as the UK’s Ambassador to Yemen, as Deputy Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and held diplomatic appointments in Iraq, Oman, New York and Japan.