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Doing business with Australia

The Australian Government's ambitious trade policy is geared towards increasing economic activity, creating jobs and getting a fair deal for Australia in the international marketplace.

The Minister for Trade in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is responsible for negotiating with foreign governments to ensure better trade conditions for Australian products. The Australian Government pursues this goal at every level:

- Multilaterally through the World Trade Organisation (WTO) by negotiating trade agreements which provide the legal ground-rules for international trade;

- Regionally through Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and other international forums by strengthening regional trade links and pursuing common trade and economic goals;

- Bilaterally through the negotiation of free trade agreements, such as with Singapore, Thailand and the United States that deliver substantial gains to Australia and which cannot be achieved in a similar timeframe elsewhere.

Australia also works to expand markets and address market barriers in a range of countries and sectors, including Japan and China.

Australia’s trade relations with Belgium and Luxembourg

Belgium is an important destination for Australian coal, copper, steel and metal ores. Other major export items from Australia to Belgium include alcoholic beverages, pearls and gems, wool and confidential items (e.g. diamonds).

Despite being one of the smaller European countries, Belgium has a comparatively strong medical device market with a relatively straightforward reimbursement system. Belgium has a state-of-the-art telecommunications system and transport infrastructure, a highly productive, multilingual workforce and a government eager to attract foreign investment. Its strategic position in the centre of Europe and its transport links make it ideal for distribution activities.

Austrade has identified potential opportunities for Australian suppliers of goods and services in a number of sectors. Austrade's Belgium country page supplies general information on doing business and on specific export opportunities. The Austrade website has a database that can be searched by industry and country.

Please note that the Australian Embassy in Brussels does not have an Austrade section.

The Austrade office in Paris can provide advice on accessing opportunities in Belgium and Luxembourg. The office can be contacted at:

Austrade Paris
4 rue Jean Rey
75015 Paris
France

Tel: +33 1 40 59 33 85
Fax: +33 1 40 59 33 22
or send an e-mail

Operating hours: 9.00 - 18.00


More Business Links:

Australia's trade policy
Doing business with Australia  
Austrade 
business.gov.au 
Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) 
Business Facts 
ICON: Import conditions search 
ABIE (Australian Business in Europe)
ABIE Belgium (Australian Business in Europe - Belgian branch)

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