Australia

For international investors, it is hard to ignore Australia’s competitiveness as an investment destination and unique position as the gateway to Asia Pacific. Its ability to weather global and regional economic downturns has resulted in it becoming the most resilient economy in the world. Defying world investment trends in 2002, FDI into Australia tripled against an overall decline of almost 20% to other member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. While Australia boasts a rich, natural resource base and strong agricultural and resource industries, its biotech, information technology, renewable energy and services sectors have begun to dominate economic activity, contributing to nearly 80% of GDP.

As a cost competitive location, the country provides access to a highly skilled and multicultural workforce, excellent R&D skills and infrastructure, sophisticated information and technology systems, and a conducive business environment and regulatory system.

The government encourages FDI and fosters a transparent and pro-investment regulatory environment. Recent reforms to venture capital laws provide compelling opportunities for international investors to diversify their portfolio into a new and exciting market.

Invest Australia, the government investment attraction agency, provides a wide range of services for investors, from specific programmes to project facilitation.