Ministers and senior government officials from Commonwealth, state, and territory governments gathered in Perth for the third meeting of the Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment (MCTI) on 11 April 2024. 

The MCTI was established by National Cabinet to support coordinated effort and information sharing across jurisdictions regarding international trade and investment.

^{Source: Samuel Phelps, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade}

This includes:

• National economic priorities, including the clean energy transition, supply chain resilience, advanced manufacturing, and productivity.
• Promoting trade and investment diversification and economic security.
• Addressing barriers to trade and investment.
• International partnerships and trade agreements.
  

^{Source: Matt Jelonek, Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation}

The meeting in Perth focused on national collaboration across priority areas, including First Nations economic uplift, a coordinated approach for trade and investment events, data sharing, and environmental, social and governance frameworks. It also involved a special appearance from Australian Ambassador for First Nations People, Mr. Justin Mohammad.

^{Source: Samuel Phelps, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade}

In Perth, Ministers and government officials visited the Western Trade Coast to learn about the region’s industrial capabilities which support a number of priority sectors and industries, including:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Clean energy
• Mining and resources
• Defence
• Marine maintenance and shipbuilding
  

^{Source: Samuel Phelps, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade}

The MCTI meets bi-annually and is chaired by Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism; Special Minister of State. Western Australia is represented by the Hon Stephen Dawson MLC, Minister Assisting the Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade and other states and territories are represented by their respective trade ministers.

^{Source: Matt Jelonek, Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation}

Co-hosting the MCTI provided Western Australia with an opportunity to showcase the State’s trade and investment ecosystem to Commonwealth, State and Territory representatives.

^{Source: Matt Jelonek, Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation}

Published on: 18 April 2024

Defence, Energy, Health and Medical Technology, Mining & METS, Mining and METS, Space