On 31 March the Australian Ambassador to the EU, Belgium, Luxembourg and NATO, HE Ms Caroline Millar, was visiting Western Australia as part of her mid-term posting consultations.
Amongst other official commitments the Ambassador invited to an exclusive round-table-discussion about Australia’s priorities for engagement with the European Union. The event, held at the Exchange Tower in Perth’s CBD, was attended by the President of WAGBA as part of a selected group of business and industry representatives.
Following an introduction, the Ambassador provided an update on negotiations towards a Free Trade Agreement with the EU. Not surprisingly, the main selling point for Australia to the EU is access to its abundant mineral resources, mainly critical minerals, which are almost exclusively mined in Western Australia.
As a representative of WAGBA its President, Stephan W Kirsch, shared his views and findings from the recent delegation visits of German industry representatives and politicians regarding critical minerals, battery metals, energy transition, hydrogen, renewable and natural energies.
Her Excellency Ms Millar emphasised the importance of Australia’s partnership with the EU, being a strong western-style democracy in Southeast Asia and having long standing relations to China and other countries in the region.
Another topic discussed at the event was the shortage of workforce in Western Australia and the potential visa implications to simplify the recruitment of employees from overseas for businesses.
The event was an outstanding opportunity to share notes and to bring across messages or concerns to the Ambassador.