Australia's First Nations people are our earliest exporters, astronomers, scientists and historians. Their unique business offerings are now taking on overseas markets with sophisticated exports in native botanicals, pharmaceuticals, clean energy, cyber, space and design.
This issue of Business Envoy turns the spotlight on Indigenous innovation, entrepreneurial edge and global ambition. It shares insights from First Nations businesses and profiles how DFAT and our portfolio partners are delivering inclusive trade policies and programs, including export readiness training and mentoring.
Through the appointment of an Ambassador for First Nations Peoples and the establishment of a First Nations Trade unit, we will increasingly embed Indigenous business and exporter interests into our trade negotiation strategies and reaffirm the importance of Indigenous rights, including how these relate to sustainable development, traditional knowledge, and protecting the integrity of Indigenous arts and cultural products.
The Ambassador will head an Office of First Nations Engagement within DFAT and will be to undertake consultations to listen and engage directly on how Australia's international engagement contributes to Indigenous community and economic development, supports First Nations businesses and exporters, delivers practical action on climate change, builds connections across the Indo-Pacific region and supports Indigenous rights around the world.
The edition also looks at the first-of-its-kind Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.
