Canadian Indigenous trade delegation strengthens ties with Australia and New Zealand
Canadian trade delegation in New Zealand
In August 2024, a Canadian delegation of Indigenous and minority owned businesses concluded a successful trade mission to Australia and New Zealand.
The economic empowerment of Indigenous peoples and their communities is a priority of the Government of Canada and is enhanced through international trade. This initiative was a positive step for inclusive trade that the Global Affairs Canada missions in Australia and New Zealand were honoured to support. This initiative also aligns with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy by expanding trade, investment and supply chain resilience; and by investing in and connecting people.
Exploring Indigenous culture at business at Supply Nation, CONNECT 2024, Brisbane
With support from the Inclusive Trade Promotion team, the Consulate General of Canada, Sydney, signed an innovation memorandum of understanding in February 2022 between Global Affairs Canada and Supply Nation. This committed both parties to increased collaboration with the aim of benefiting Indigenous Canadian and Australian exporters. CONNECT 2024 is the flagship event of Supply Nation, a non-profit organisation that aims to grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business sector through the promotion of supplier diversity in Australia. The Consulate General of Canada, Sydney, and the Consulate of Canada and trade office, Auckland, coordinated their efforts with the Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce to support the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC)-led trade delegation of five representatives to Auckland for the Amotai Navigate Summit and to Sydney for business-to-business meetings and networking events, before culminating their program at Supply Nation’s CONNECT 2024 conference in Brisbane.
The Hon. Justin Mohamed, Australian Ambassador for First Nations and Sarah Quigley, Acting Consul General of Canada, in Brisbane
Full programs of business activities were delivered in each city, which included one-on-one targeted meetings, networking events and cultural programs. During the Australian portion of the trade mission, the “Knowledge Forum” at Connect 2024 provided participants with a rich palette of discussion themes to gain an understanding of the local business environment, challenges and opportunities within the sector. During the opening remarks at the conference, Supply Nation acknowledged the commitment and support for their sector, identifying the Canadian relationship. Several direct economic outcomes from the mission are expected to be recorded, which will include opportunities pursued for two of the delegates. Others are positioned to develop over the longer term. Many prosperous relationships were established through this venture and will continue to grow and strengthen with the continued support of Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service.
Thanks to CAMSC and the Canadian delegates from Three Sisters Consulting, FactR Limited, and Vale & Associates for their participation, and to the local partners who supported this program:
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