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Ahead of the release of the Defence Export Strategy, Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne has briefed over 35 Defence personnel selected for representational roles in Australian diplomatic missions overseas about defence export opportunities.
As part of the Defence Overseas Representation Seminar, a three-week training course, Minister Pyne spoke to the personnel to highlight their vital role in promoting the export of Australia's Defence materiel.
"From the largest defence company to a small company making a great bit of kit, our attachés and their teams can make a big difference – providing introductions to governments and militaries, updates on future procurement plans, and hints and tips on how to negotiate the bureaucracies of our friends and allies," a statement from the minister's office read.
"Greater success in Defence exports helps defend Australia. Exporting companies are higher performing, more innovative and more able to support Australia’s own defence capability needs."
Minister Pyne said the selected personnel have been tasked with promoting the industry ahead of the release of the government's Defence Export Strategy later this year.
“Attachés are my eyes and ears overseas. If there’s an opportunity there for Australian industry, they’ll need to promote it. If I need to get on a plane and speak to the overseas government about how good our products are – I’ll do it”, Minister Pyne said.
Minister Pyne added the Defence Export Strategy would set out a comprehensive approach to enable the government to actively plan, guide and measure defence export outcomes, promote international engagement and capability building with allies and strategic partners.
"The strategy will establish a new system to provide assistance to Australian industry and support Australia’s broader defence, strategic, foreign and economic interests," the minister said.
