Office of International Engagement

We strengthen global partnerships to grow our knowledge-based economy, attract talent, and promote exporting and tourism, as outlined in Canberra’s International Engagement Strategy.

What we do

We manage all ACT Government international engagement activities including:

train and assist exporters
deliver international trade missions
build partnerships with Canberra's diplomatic community
support inbound delegations
run events that promote Canberra internationally
manage sister city relationships.

We work closely with ACT Government Directorates and Agencies, industry, peak bodies and Canberra’s diplomatic community to achieve our international engagement goals.

Our strategy

Canberra’s International Engagement Strategy (IES) guides our work. The strategy identifies 10 main areas of strength for our economy. These are:

education and research
tourism
defence
cyber security
renewable energy
innovation, information and communication technology (ICT) and e-Government
space industry
health and sports science
arts, culture and creativity
agri-technology and food sciences.

To find out more, see Canberra’s International Engagement Strategy.

Our services

TradeStart Advisor

TradeStart is a partnership between the ACT Government and Austrade to help local businesses succeed in international markets. It gives small and medium-sized exporters access to Austrade’s global network and services.

If your business is ready to export, TradeStart can help you develop and grow in international markets.

For more information, please visit Export to new markets or email CIE@act.gov.au

Singapore Business Development Manager

The Singapore based Business Development Manager (BDM) helps ACT businesses expand into Singapore and nearby Southeast Asian markets.

Nicola Kelly is Canberra's South East Asian representative. With 20 years experience in trade and marketing, she connects ACT companies to export opportunities and supports investment in the Territory.

For more information, see Export to new markets or email Nicola.kelly@austrade.gov.au

International Business Engagement Program

The International Business Engagement Program supports Canberra exporters by providing year‑round education, capability‑building activities, and networking opportunities to help businesses grow and succeed in international markets.

For more information or to register for upcoming workshops, contact the Office of International Engagement via email CIE@act.gov.au.

Trade Mission

The ACT Government runs trade missions to connect ACT businesses with opportunities in overseas markets. They help support international trade growth and foster ongoing relationships in offshore markets.

For more information, see Export to new markets or email CIE@act.gov.au

Our international relationships

We build strong international connections through formal and informal frameworks with cities worldwide. These relationships promote cultural, economic, and business ties, benefiting Canberra.

Sister city relationships

Sister city relationships assist groups in government, business, culture and community to make contact and build relationships. Canberra has sister city relationships with the following cities:

Nara, Japan: The Canberra-Nara Sister City relationship has promoted cultural ties through community events like the annual Canberra Nara Candle Festival. The creation of Canberra-Nara Park is a lasting symbol of friendship. See the Canberra-Nara Sister City Agreement.
Beijing, China: This partnership has opened doors for Canberra businesses to engage in key sectors like tourism, education, and environmental management. See the Canberra-Beijing Sister City Agreement.
Wellington, New Zealand: The sister city relationship has strengthened business and tourism links. Collaborative projects in education and research have also provided opportunities for Canberra’s students and professionals. See the Canberra-Wellington Sister City Agreement.

Friendship city relationships

Important but less formal than sister city relationships, friendship agreements between cities helps cooperation and mutual respect.

Dili, Democratic Republic of Timor-Lest

The Canberra-Dili Friendship Agreement has facilitated educational and cultural exchanges. Humanitarian projects through this agreement strengthen ties and help build a supportive global community.

Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)

Council of Pacific Capital Cities

The Council of Pacific Capital Cities fosters regional partnerships in the Pacific. The council helps develop people-to-people links and regional cooperation.

Membership of the Council is open to the capital cities of each independent nation in the Pacific region.

Inaugural members of the council are:

Canberra (Australia)
Suva (Fiji)
Wellington (New Zealand).

Find out more about the Council of Pacific Capital Cities MoU.

Shenzhen and Hangzhou, China

These MoUs have resulted in economic collaborations, particularly in environmental technology, education, and tourism promotion. These relationships create pathways for Canberra businesses to expand into China, supporting local economic growth.

Arrangements with foreign countries and organisations

The Foreign Arrangements Scheme (FAS) requires states and territories to notify and receive approval from the Minister for Foreign Affairs before entering into any arrangement with a foreign Government. Australian arrangements with foreign governments can be with national governments or regional bodies like states, provinces, or universities that don't operate independently.

There are 2 types of arrangements:

Core foreign arrangements – deals between an Australian state or territory and a national government or department of a foreign country.
Non-core foreign arrangements – deals with foreign countries on a sub-national level, such as regional governments or certain universities.

For more information about FAS, see Foreign Arrangements Scheme. To notify them about an arrangement, email fas@act.gov.au

Awards

ACT Chief Minister's Export Awards

Each year the ACT Government delivers the ACT Export Awards. This recognises outstanding exporters and encourages other ACT business to export.

For more information, see ACT Chief Minister's Export Award or email CIE@act.gov.au

Events

ACT Export Day

When: Thursday 21 May 2026, 12:15pm - 5pm.

Export Day is an annual event designed to help ACT businesses learn about the opportunities available in international markets.

Businesses can attend workshops, meet industry experts, and get valuable information on how to start or grow their exports. It’s also a chance for local companies to:

connect
share ideas
gain the skills to succeed in global trade.

Export Day is a great place to get support and resources to help your business thrive.

For more information or how to be part of the ACT Export Day, contact CIE@act.gov.au.

ACT Export Day Registration

Contact us