This site uses technical, analytics and third-party cookies.
By continuing to browse, you accept the use of cookies.

Preferences cookies

Doing business in Australia

Australia, a G-20 country, is one of the most solid economies in the world, with a per capita Gross Domestic Product of USD 66,000, which grew without interruption for 28 years before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 1992 the Australian economy has experienced the largest expansion among the advanced ones. After the short break in 2020, Australia has returned to grow, backed by significant government support and international demand for mineral exports, posting a GDP increase of 4.9% in 2021 and 3.8% in 2022.

Australia’s AAA sovereign risk profile, its security and position at the nexus of East and West make it an ideal partner for trade, investment and collaboration.

Australia is renowned for its resources; Australian exports of energy and raw materials make up more than three-quarters of total export and are projected to reach a record AUD 459 billion in 2022-23.

Currently, Australia holds the world’s largest reserves of iron ore, gold and uranium, is the world’s largest producer of lithium and is rich in rare earths. Exports of liquefied natural gas, coal and uranium make Australia a major energy supplier to Asian economies.

The nation’s high-quality agricultural products and foodstuffs are in high demand among global consumers, as are tourism, education, wealth management, health care, and professional services. As a leading provider of education, Australia attracts students and talent from around the world to its universities and research and development institutes.

Multinationals can benefit from Australia’s network of free trade agreements, strong trade and cultural ties with Asia, and long-standing trade, investment and research ties with Europe and North America.

As highlighted by the World Bank, Australia offers ample guarantees to foreign investors: 7th easiest country in the world to open a business, 6th for compliance with contracts, 4th for access to bank credit and among the top countries for corporate legislation, clarity of procedures, digitization and simplification of business services.

Foreign investment remains an integral part of the Australian economy, by funding new industries, increasing infrastructure and productivity, opening export markets, stimulating economic activity and creating new jobs.

In 2021, foreign direct investment in Australia amounted to AUD 1,061.5 billion, bringing the country’s total investment stock to $4.1 trillion. The European Union is the second investor, behind the United States and ahead of the United Kingdom.

Australia continues to attract and retain high levels of foreign direct investment thanks to its stable democracy backed by the rule of law, a skilled workforce connected to Asian markets and a network of free trade agreements and policies that create an enabling environment for business activities. During the global economic recovery, these characteristics make Australia an attractive place to invest.

Lastly, we would like to inform you that, at the instigation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and within the framework of the strategies emanating from the Cabina di Regia for internationalisation, Agenzia ICE, SACE and SIMEST have created the Portal www.export.gov.it, a new tool dedicated to Italian companies to navigate the world of exports and simplify the access to all support services for the internationalisation process.