Released 05/10/2026 - Joint media release
The ACT Government will undertake an eight-day trade and investment mission to Germany and the United Kingdom to strengthen international partnerships, attract investment and grow trade, tourism, education and research links with two of Canberra’s important overseas markets.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr will lead the mission, which will focus on opportunities across technology, infrastructure, research, education, tourism and aviation, promoting Canberra as Australia’s leading knowledge economy and supporting the creation of high-skilled jobs.
Over the past decade, the ACT economy has grown from around $46 billion to more than $59 billion, with more than 42,000 new jobs created and exports increasing to $2.8 billion. Canberra also has Australia’s most highly educated workforce, with 46 per cent of working-age residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Chief Minister and Minister for Trade, Investment and the Knowledge Economy Andrew Barr said international engagement was critical to Canberra’s continued economic growth.
“Canberra’s economy is increasingly driven by industries that compete and collaborate internationally. Strong relationships with global partners create opportunities for local businesses, attract investment and support highly skilled jobs.
“This mission will connect Canberra businesses and institutions with international markets, investors and partners, while showcasing our strengths in technology, education, research, tourism and professional services,” the Chief Minister said.
Strengthening trade and investment
As part of the mission, the Chief Minister will meet with the Government of Hesse, the Greater London Authority, investors, airlines, technology leaders, artificial intelligence specialists and representatives from the innovation and business sectors.
The Chief Minister will also attend a Canberra investment event hosted by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council and meet with Canberra-founded companies including Castlepoint Systems and QuintessenceLabs to discuss their continued success in the UK and opportunities for Canberra businesses to scale globally.
The UK is an important economic partner for the ACT. The Australia–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement is strengthening business links and creating opportunities for trade, investment and professional mobility. Canberra companies including Seeing Machines, Castlepoint Systems, Aspen Medical and QuintessenceLabs have established successful operations and partnerships in the UK.
The mission will also showcase Canberra’s strong research and education capability between ACT and leading UK institutions.
The Chief Minister said deeper cooperation between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States would create further opportunities for Canberra’s research and technology sectors.
“Canberra sits at the centre of Australia’s national security and defence ecosystem. As AUKUS deepens cooperation between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, there are significant opportunities for our research institutions, technology companies and specialist workforce.
“The ACT Government will also promote the enormous opportunities arising from Australia’s newest trade agreement with the European Union, which will strengthen economic ties with Europe and create opportunities for Canberra businesses in cyber security, digital technology, space, defence, education and professional services,” the Chief Minister said.
Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell said that he wants to see the ACT do more trade with the world.
“More trade means more higher-paying jobs, more opportunities and more income for local businesses.
“The Albanese Government’s trade diversification strategy is working. Despite complex shifts in global trade policy, last year we did a record $1.3 trillion worth of trade with the world.
“The Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement has seen trade with the UK double since 2023 and is continuing to grow.
“Our new trade deal with the EU will give Australian businesses, exporters, farmers and producers access to a market of twenty-seven member countries and 450 million consumers. This is a once in a generation trade agreement with the world’s second largest economy – valued at $30 trillion,” Minister Farrell said.
Growing tourism and global connectivity
The UK is Canberra's third-largest international visitor market, accounting for around 10 per cent of the ACT's 179,000 international visitors in the year ending June 2026. Europe accounted for a further 13 per cent of our international visitors.
The Government will use the mission to pursue a goal of attracting an additional 2,500 visitors annually from the UK and Europe by 2030. Based on current visitation and expenditure patterns, this would generate around $8 million in additional annual visitor spending and more than 75,000 visitor nights across Canberra's visitor economy. Visitors from the UK will typically stay in the ACT for seven nights and primarily travel for holidays or to visit friends and relatives. Increased visitation from these markets also strengthens demand for international aviation services, supports tourism and international education growth, and reinforces Canberra's position as an attractive destination for investment and business engagement.
The Chief Minister will meet with Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Tourism Australia, Flight Centre, DerTour and Trailfinders to promote Canberra in key international markets, strengthen airline partnerships and grow visitor, business and education travel.
The discussions will focus on maximising the opportunities created by the return of Qatar Airways services via Doha from December and building passenger demand to support Canberra’s long-term aviation ambitions, including the return of direct Singapore Airlines services between Singapore and Canberra.
The Chief Minister said international aviation connectivity was a critical economic enabler.
“The return of Qatar Airways is a significant opportunity for Canberra, providing improved access to Europe, the United Kingdom and the Middle East through one of the world’s largest international aviation networks.
“Our focus is on building demand for travel to and from Canberra so we can maximise the benefits of the Doha service and strengthen our international aviation connections.
“By attracting investment, growing exports, increasing visitation and strengthening international partnerships, we can create more high-quality jobs and continue building one of Australia’s most innovative and connected economies,” the Chief Minister said.
The cost of the Chief Minister's participation is approximately $18,500. This is met from within the existing ACT Executive budget. The final cost will be reported as part of the regular quarterly ministerial travel reports.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases