EABC Business Mission to Europe 2018
Supported by EABC Major Partners: Paris, Strasbourg, Madrid, Lisbon & London 1 July - 10 July 2018
Mission Report (Executive Summary)
Overview
The EABC Business Mission to Europe is undertaken each year as an initiative to strengthen bilateral relationships with European leaders, institutions, officials, peak business groups and policy organisations.
The missions travel to Brussels as the political and administrative capital of the European Union (EU), and to other political and commercial capitals in Europe. Since 2006, EABC delegations have travelled to Amsterdam, Antwerp, Berlin, Bern, Bratislava, Budapest, Copenhagen, Dublin, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hamburg, Helsinki, Istanbul, Lisbon, London, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Paris, Rotterdam, Stockholm, Strasbourg, The Hague, Toulouse, Venice, Vienna, Warsaw and Zurich.
During the missions, delegates have met with the European Commission President, Vice- Presidents and Commissioners, Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament and chairs of parliamentary committees, the Deputy President of the European Central Bank, Heads of State and Heads of Government, Ministers, central bankers, and leaders of peak employer and industry groups across Europe.
The visits provide opportunities for senior Australian business representatives to engage in dialogue on key developments occurring at the EU and Member State levels in strategic areas including political and economic governance, banking and financial services regulation, trade policy and negotiations, research and innovation, energy and climate change, foreign and security policy, competition policy, transport and mobility, infrastructure and many others.
The missions also provide a valuable opportunity for Australian business to engage with Australian Government representatives in Europe - principally with Australian Embassies and Austrade offices - to profile Australia’s economic credentials and capabilities.
Mission Objectives
The objectives of the Missions are to engage with European leaders, institutions and peak business groups to promote further co-operation between Australia and Europe, reinforce Australia’s position as a strategic partner for Europe in the Asia-Pacific region and as a partner in global institutional fora, and support initiatives to promote the bilateral trade and investment relationship.
Insights are gained into the institutional and policy agenda of the EU itself, including the major institutions of the European Council, the Council of the EU, the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Central Bank, and the relationships between these institutions and the EU’s twenty-eight Member States.
Discussions also examine Europe’s relationship with its major political and economic partners including China, Russia, and the United States, as well as European views on the wider Asia-Pacific region and co-operation with international institutions such as the G20, WTO, NATO, the UN, and other international and regional bodies.
Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC and EABC Delegates participate in a Roundtable Discussion with French Business Leaders hosted by MEDEF International
EABC 2018 Business Mission to Europe - Report (Executive Summary) Page 2 Mission Leaders & Support
For the 2018 Mission, which visited Paris, Strasbourg, Madrid, Lisbon, and London, the Council was delighted to have the leadership of Australia’s Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP, and the support throughout continental Europe of the Governor-General of Australia, His Excellency General the Hon Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC. The Delegation was also joined in London by Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry and Leader of the Government in the House of Representatives, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP and the Premier of South Australia, the Hon Steven Marshall MP.
The business delegation was headed by EABC Chair and former Premier of New South Wales the Hon Nick Greiner AC, Deputy Chair and former Australian Trade Minister the Hon Simon Crean, and Deputy Chair and renowned businesswoman Carla Zampatti AC. The Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), Dr Stephanie Fahey, was also a member of the leadership group of the Mission.
The EABC Business Mission was greatly supported by Austrade, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and Missions to the European Union, Belgium, NATO and Luxembourg, to France, Spain, and Portugal. The Delegation of the European Union to Australia as well as Embassies, Consulates-General and Trade Commissions of France, Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom also provided their invaluable support, endorsement, and encouragement.
Delegation Members
The mission delegation included thirty-three Australian business representatives, including Chairs and CEOs of major companies with major investments in Europe. A broad range of sectors were represented including innovation, energy, transport, agriculture, engineering, logistics, resources, education, law, retail, fashion, telecommunications, investment and banking, infrastructure, professional services and finance.
EABC Delegates included the Hon Dr John McVeigh MP (Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government), Dr Stephanie Fahey (CEO, Austrade), the Hon Nick Greiner AC (Chair Asia Pacific, QBE Insurance Group), the Hon Simon Crean (Chair, Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council), Carla Zampatti AC (Executive Chair, Carla Zampatti Group), Philip Aiken AM (Chair, Balfour Beatty PLC), Graham Bradley AM (Chair, HSBC Australia), Michel-Henri Carriol (Chair, Filatex), Geoff Charnock (Principal, Charnock O’Brien Legal), Jeff Connolly (Chair & CEO, Siemens Pacific), Judith Crompton (CEO, Europe, Middle East & Asia, Cover- More Group), Stephen Fitzgerald (Chair, Affirmative Investment Management), Nick Hannan (Chief of Staff, Office of the Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government), Tracey Hinchley (COO, The Group of Eight), Justin Howden (Group Head, Global Government Affairs and Industry Development, H&H Group), Professor Ian Jacobs (Chair, Group of Eight), Joshua Lim (Deputy CEO, IFM Investors), Andrew Low (Executive Chair, CLSA Australia & Europe), Andrew McCallum (Global Manager, Trade & Market Access, Meat & Livestock Australia), Paul McClintock AO (Chair, Broadspectrum), Zoe McKenzie (Principal, Trade & Investment Advisory), Hugh Morgan AC (Chair, First Charnock), Sue Morphet (Chair, National Tiles), Dick Porter (Chair, Australia United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce), Mark Rigotti (Global CEO and Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills), François Romanet (President Australasia, Naval Group), Emilio Romeo (CEO, Ericsson Australia & NZ), Mark Scholem (Business Development Manager, GFG Alliance), Christian Seymour (Head of Infrastructure Europe, IFM Investors), Dr Ralf Thaeter (Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills), Vicki Thompson (CEO, The Group of Eight), John Weber (Chair, Airservices Australia), Brett Wickham (Managing Director, Acciona Energy Australia).
EABC 2018 Business Mission to Europe - Report (Executive Summary) Page 3 2018 Mission Programme
During the programme, the delegation met with Heads of State and Government, Ministers and senior officials and business leaders. The focus of the mission was to examine recent political and economic developments in Europe. Despite growth rates returning to their pre-GFC level in most European countries, major internal and geopolitical challenges continue to test the resilience of the European Union.
With the launch of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between Australia and the EU on 18 June 2018, the Mission promoted an FTA as an ambitious and comprehensive economic partnership framework, and called for velocity in the process against a rising tide of protectionism and economic nationalism.
The mission also studied policies to promote growth and jobs, to foster innovation, and to address climate change and transition towards sustainable models of development, as well as progress and support for major multilateral and bilateral trade negotiations.
With Brexit to occur on 29 March 2019, the 2018 Mission provided an opportunity to better understand the state-of- play of Brexit negotiations, both domestically and with the EU, and its potential implications for Australia and Australian businesses. These discussions were held across the week in continental Europe, and in London over two days.
Paris, 1-2 July 2018
The 2018 Business Mission programme commenced with an informal lunch hosted by HE Mr Brendan Berne, Australia’s Ambassador to France, at the Embassy.
The lunch was an opportunity for a series of political and economic briefings from Ambassador Berne, as well as from Australia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the OECD HE Mr Brian Pontifex; Austrade’s Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner and General Manager Europe Richard Leather; and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, Paris and Madrid Jennifer Mackinlay.
Following the lunch, delegates were given a briefing of the week to come, including an economic and political overview on the visited countries, and a briefing on major policy issues, including trade and investment, economic governance, jobs and growth, energy and climate change, innovation and Brexit.
In the evening, the group was hosted by Michel-Henri Carriol for a Reception and Dinner at the Cercle de l’Union Interalliée. Former French Ambassador to Australia and current CEO of Business France Christophe Lecourtier and French MP from President Macron’s En Marche movement Marie Lebec MP made remarks on the new Government’s pro-European, pro- business and pro-reform agenda, with key reforms undertaken to increase competitiveness and attract foreign investment, as well as labour market and taxation reforms aiming to unleash France’s economic potentials.
EABC 2018 Business Mission to Europe - Report (Executive Summary) Page 4 Monday morning began with a Forum at MEDEF International hosted by Hervé Guillou, Chair of the France-Australia Business Council and Chair and CEO of Naval Group. The Forum addressed the importance of an ambitious and comprehensive FTA between Australia and the EU, with French business leaders expressing strong support and emphasising business opportunities which would flow from an enhanced collaboration. Participants from France and Australia then commented on their respective country’s regulatory and business environment in the sectors of infrastructure, energy and innovation.
The delegation then transferred to Naval Group for a meeting with Executive Vice President Alain Guillou and Chief Technology Officer Eric Papin on the industrial and technological dimensions of the SEA 1000 contract. Naval Group officials announced the launch of a Local Centre of Excellence on Maritime Engineering and Technologies in Australia, to complement their R&D operations in relation to the Future Submarines project.
EABC delegates were hosted by HSBC for a lunch with French Secretary of State for Europe and Foreign Affairs (including Trade) HE Mr Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne. Following opening remarks from HSBC Europe CEO James Emmett, Secretary of State Lemoyne welcomed the launch of FTA negotiations between Australia and the EU, highlighting the two parties’ shared geostrategic interest and the importance of preserving post-World War II global rules-based order, while also reforming frameworks to increase their efficiency and adapt to new challenges. Underscoring the new momentum in France, the Secretary of State outlined key economic and pro- business reforms which will open up opportunities for foreign investors.
Following the lunch, the delegation was welcomed at the OECD Headquarters by Deputy Secretary-General HE Mr Masamichi Kono, for a joint meeting with officials from the OECD and the International Energy Agency led by OECD Director for Financial and Enterprise Affairs Greg Medcraft and IEA Deputy Executive Director Paul Simons.
Presentations included the OECD 2018 Economic Outlook, highlighting the return of pre-GFC growth levels, mostly due to stronger investment and revived trade flows and in spite of overdue structural reforms in most OECD countries, in particular in the areas of education, skills and vocational training. IEA officials pointed out Australia’s openness to new technologies and the important role of LNG and CCS for energy transition.
EABC delegates were then hosted by the Governor- General at the Australian Embassy for a Reception and Investiture Ceremony for Christophe Lecourtier, who was appointed an honorary officer (AO) of the Order of Australia for service to the bilateral relationship.
The last meeting of the day took place at the Ministry for the Economy and Finance, with Emmanuel Moulin, Chief of Staff to the French Minister for the Economy and Finance, to discuss the Government’s economic reform agenda and the upcoming Action Plan for Business Growth and Transformation (‘Loi Pacte’), which aims to cut red tape and facilitate business creation and access to funding and growth, while encouraging links between public research and businesses.
EABC 2018 Business Mission to Europe - Report (Executive Summary) Page 5 Strasbourg, 3 July 2018
On Tuesday morning, the delegation transferred by TGV train to Strasbourg, the seat of the European Parliament, for a first meeting with European Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska, who is responsible for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs.
The Commissioner outlined the Commission’s goals to reach before the end of its mandate in 2019, in particular the completion of the Single Market for services. Commissioner Bienkowska also stressed the importance of enhancing R&D collaboration between Australia and the EU, notably through Australian participation in Horizon Europe, the EU’s €100 billion R&D framework programme for 2021-2027.
Following the meeting, EABC delegates took part in a Forum with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), including MEPs from the European Parliament’s International Trade (INTA) Committee.
The Forum was co-chaired by INTA Chair Bernd Lange MEP and Standing Rapporteur for the Australia-EU FTA Sorin Moisa MEP who both welcomed the launch of FTA negotiations with Australia and expressed their support for a swift and transparent process.
MEPs expressed widespread transpartisan support of the FTA, emphasising the like-mindedness of Australia and the EU and welcoming Australia’s friendly business environment and connectivity with the Asia Pacific region.
EABC delegates received a detailed briefing from Australian Ambassador to the EU, Belgium, Luxembourg, and NATO, HE Mr Justin Brown PSM, on the political situation in Europe ahead of the 2019 European elections, the impact of global trade tensions and the European reaction to US tariffs, the implications and state-of-play of the Brexit negotiations, and on the status and expectations of the Australia-EU FTA.
Following a visit to the European Parliament’s Plenary Hemicycle, the group was received by members of the Delegation for Relations with Australia and New Zealand (DANZ), for a lunch hosted by Chair Ulrike Müller MEP and which saw the participation of European Parliament’s Vice-Presidents Heidi Hautala MEP and Mairead McGuiness MEP.
The lunch was an opportunity to engage with MEPs on the Australia-EU FTA, the role of the European Parliament in the EU, the 2019 elections, Brexit, and other key political developments. During the lunch, MEPs across all major European political groups participated in the discussion.
The visit in Strasbourg concluded with a meeting with European Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for the Euro and Social Dialogue, Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union. Vice-President Dombrovskis presented the key ongoing reforms of the Economic and Monetary Union and policy priorities in the Eurozone, aiming to ensure a stable growth and increase the area’s economic resilience.
EABC 2018 Business Mission to Europe - Report (Executive Summary) Page 6 Madrid, 4-5 July 2018
The programme in Madrid began with a breakfast & briefing at the Westin Palace Madrid, with Acting Head of Mission Tim Kane, Ambassador-designate Julie-Ann Guivarra and Austrade’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner Jennifer Mackinlay. Having experienced the disastrous impacts of the GFC combined with a housing crisis, the Spanish economy has now recovered to its pre-crisis level, with 2018 marking the fourth consecutive year of growth, building on a diversified, services and exports-driven economy.
EABC delegates then met with Spanish business and industry leaders at a Forum with CEOE, Spain’s peak business organisation, chaired by CEOE President Joan Rosell Lastortras. Following opening remarks from the President, addresses were given by the CEO of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, Inmaculada Riera and the newly-appointed Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, HE Ms Maria Reyes Maroto.
Pointing to great collaboration potential between Australia and Spain, particularly in the energy, ICT, space and defence, infrastructure, and tourism sectors, both business and political leaders expressed their support for the negotiation of an ambitious and comprehensive FTA between Australia and the EU. Spain wishes to become a gateway for foreign businesses, not only to the EU but also to South America and Africa.
Presentations were then given by Maria-Jesus Fernandez, Director of Invest in Spain, Jennifer Mackinlay, Austrade’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, and EABC CEO Jason Collins on trade and investment perspectives and bilateral economic relations, followed by an open discussion.
The group then transferred to the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum for a meeting with the President of Navantia, Esteban Garcia Vilasanchez on the deep historical collaboration between Navantia and the Australian Navy and on the company’s commitment to support the growth of an Australian shipbuilding industry. Following the meeting, delegates were taken on a private tour of the museum’s collections.
Prior to lunch, EABC delegates attended the signing of a cooperation agreement between Spanish organisation the Centre for Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) and Austrade, signed by CDTI Director General Francisco Marin and Austrade CEO Dr Stephanie Fahey.
Lunch was then hosted by the Spain Australia Council Foundation at the Casino de Madrid with HE Mr Josep Borrell Fontelles, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation. The Minister made remarks about historical and cultural ties between Australia and Spain, highlighting how people-to-people linkages and shared principles and values served as foundations to the solid trade and investment relationship.
Following the lunch, EABC delegates transferred to Zarzuela Palace where they were honoured with an Audience with His Majesty King Felipe VI, King of Spain.
The day concluded with an informal delegation dinner, with traditional Spanish food and music, held at the Paradis Restaurant, in central Madrid.
EABC 2018 Business Mission to Europe - Report (Executive Summary) Page 7 On Thursday morning, the group was received by the Governor of the Bank of Spain, Pablo Hernandez de Cos, and was provided with an outlook of the Spanish economy by the Head of the Conjunctural Analysis Division Javier Perez. The economic crisis was deeper and more persistent in Spain than in other euro countries, but it encouraged Spain to undertake structural reforms that led to a more resilient and balanced economy than pre-GFC. Further reforms are still needed domestically to address fiscal imbalances and unemployment, but also at Eurozone and EU levels, including through deeper integration, risk-reduction, and risk-sharing measures.
EABC delegates then transferred to the headquarters of Acciona to meet with Acciona Chair and CEO Jose Manuel Entrecanales, who gave a presentation on the company’s ‘business as unusual’ approach, focusing on long term sustainability and protection of the planet, including its major investment and operations in Australia in the renewable energy, infrastructure and water management sectors.
Lisbon, 5-6 July 2018
Flying from Madrid on Thursday, delegates departed upon their arrival in Lisbon to the Presidential Palace of Belem for an audience with the President of Portugal, HE Professor Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. On this occasion, the President awarded the Governor-General with the Grand Cross of the Order of Liberty, for Australia’s contribution to Timor-Leste’s independence.
The group then met with HE Mr Manuel Caldeira Cabral, Minister for Economy, who gave an outlook of the Portuguese economy and perspectives on the bilateral relationship with Australia, welcoming the launch of FTA negotiations between Australia and the EU. Portugal undertook intensive reforms to support its competitiveness, turning a 9% trade deficit in 2008 into a 2% surplus in 2017, with the most dynamic sectors including agri-food, tourism, automotive and resources.
Relying on a solid tertiary education with a high output of students, Portugal is now strongly supporting entrepreneurship as a solution to keep young professionals in the country.
Delegates were then invited to the Palacio Nacional de Queluz for an official dinner hosted by President Rebelo de Sousa, who highlighted the deep linkages between Australia and Portugal and the need for the two countries to be forward-looking at a time of shared challenges. The dinner concluded with a private concert from the renowned fado singer Fabia Rebordão.
On Friday, EABC delegates participated in a Business Forum hosted by the Portuguese Confederation of Industry (CIP) and the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency AICEP, which was opened with remarks by HE Dr Eurico Brilhante Dias, Portuguese Secretary of State for Internationalisation. Presentations by Portuguese companies followed and the forum concluded with an open discussion on the bilateral relationship, business opportunities and the role of a comprehensive FTA to increase trade and investment flows.
The delegation then headed to the Lisbon City Hall for a lunch hosted by the Mayor of Lisbon Fernando Medina, who underscored Australia and Portugal’s outward-looking tradition as global trading nations, and cultures of innovation and openness.
EABC 2018 Business Mission to Europe - Report (Executive Summary) Page 8 In the afternoon, delegates met with the Governor of the Central Bank of Portugal, Carlos da Silva Castro for a discussion on the Portuguese economy and its need to attract foreign companies, particularly in the technology sector in order to offer opportunities to Portugal’s young, skilled workforce.
Following the meeting, delegates visited the Champalimaud Foundation’s research hospital, which specialises in advanced biomedical research, and were met by its President Leonor Beleza.
In the evening, delegates attended a Reception hosted by Ambassador HE Mr Peter Rayner for the Australian community in Portugal at the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Hotel, before concluding the week with the traditional Friday evening Delegation Dinner held at the SUBA Restaurant in the Santa Catarina Palace.
London, 9-10 July 2018
On Monday 9 July, the EABC Delegation visited London, commencing with a meeting at Australian House with the Hon George Brandis QC, Australia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and Austrade’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner David Watson, to discuss the implications of Brexit for Australia.
It is expected that the UK will be able to start negotiating a trade deal with Australia after it officially exits the European Union on 29 March 2019, although the implementation could not occur until the end of the transition period, in January 2021.
Delegates then met with the Rt Hon Lord Peter Mandelson, Chair of Global Counsel and a former UK Cabinet Minister and EU Commissioner for Trade, and Gregor Irwin, Global Counsel’s Chief Economist, on the Brexit negotiations and the aftermath of the Chequers meeting that led to the resignation of Brexit Secretary David Davis.
They were then hosted by the Ambassador of Belgium to the UK HE Mr Rudolf Huygelen for a lunch and discussion on the bilateral relationship between Australia and Belgium and future business opportunities between the UK, continental Europe and Australia.
Following the lunch, as Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson had just announced his resignation from the Government, delegates headed to the Foreign Commonwealth Office to meet with the Rt Hon Mark Field MP, Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific, who stressed the depth of the bilateral relationship between Australia and the EU, in particular in the defence sector, with BAE Systems having been awarded with the $35bn SEA 5000 Future Frigates programme.
Beyond trade and investment, defence and security will be central aspects of the future relationship between the UK and Australia, in particular given their shared common interest in the Asia-Pacific region.
Delegates then transferred to the House of Commons in the Palace of Westminster for a meeting with the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Chair of the Brexit Select Committee and former cabinet member, on the latest political developments and status of Brexit discussions in the UK, the role of Parliament and Labour’s position vis-à-vis the UK’s membership to the European Customs Union.
EABC 2018 Business Mission to Europe - Report (Executive Summary) Page 9 That evening the group was hosted at the Athenaeum Club for a discussion with Ben Digby, Director of International Trade & Investment at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), who commented on the role of British business in the Government’s Brexit position and on national policy priorities to ensure the country’s prosperity post-Brexit, including on infrastructure, taxation and regulation, innovation, education and trade.
The day concluded with a dinner with the Rt Hon Lord Patten of Barnes CH, Chancellor of the University of Oxford, and a former UK Cabinet Minister, EU Commissioner for External Relations, and the final British Governor of Hong Kong. Lord Patten outlined the new geostrategic challenges and threats around the world and the UK’s relationship with the continent.
On Tuesday, delegates went to The Shard for a working breakfast with Andy Street CBE, Mayor of the West Midlands, and Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick, to discuss research-industry collaboration, and share information on the different models and policies in place in Australia and in the UK, as well as R&D collaboration with the EU.
They were then received at Mansion House by City of London Sheriff Neil Redcliffe for a Financial Services Roundtable with Mark Hoban, Chair of IRSG, Andrew Gurney, Head of International Regulatory Affairs at Lloyds of London, and Alex Green from the City of London.
The Roundtable addressed the future of London as a financial hub and its relationship with the EU27 in the different Brexit scenarios. The financial services sector contributed £119 billion to the UK economy in 2017, representing 6.5% of total economic output and over 1.1 million jobs. 23% of the financial services revenue generated in the UK stems from services provided to the EU27, with the UK representing a share of 24% of the entire financial services market in the EU28.
Delegates attended a lunch hosted by EABC Major Partner Herbert Smith Freehills and Global CEO Mark Rigotti with South Australia Premier the Hon Steven Marshall MP and senior Australian and British business leaders.
The lunch included a roundtable discussion among senior business leaders from both countries, with contributions from John McFarlane OBE (Chair, Barclays & TheCityUK), Professor Ed Byrne AO (President, King’s College London), Guy Griffiths CBE (Managing Director, BAE Systems) and Damien O’Brien (Chair, Egon Zehnder).
Following the lunch a forum was held on major UK infrastructure projects, chaired by Balfour Beatty Chair Philip Aiken AM, with presentations by Sir David Higgins, Chair of High Speed Two, Sir Terry Morgan, Chair of Crossrail and Stephen Tarr, Managing Director Major Projects at Balfour Beatty.
Delegates then transferred to Whitechapel Station, for a site visit of the Crossrail Project and the new Elizabeth Line, which will launch in December 2018. Crossrail’s High Capacity Metro Railway is a one of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects, connecting over 40 stations across 118km, with a total funding of £14.8bn.
The 2018 Business Mission concluded with a Reception at Ten Trinity Square, hosted by EABC Corporate Council Member Philip Aiken AM.
EABC 2018 Business Mission to Europe - Report (Executive Summary) Page 10 Photo Gallery - Paris
EABC Delegates attended a joint meeting with officials from the OECD and the International Energy Agency, where they discussed global economic perspectives, and trade and energy matters.
Discussion with Emmanuel Moulin, Chief of Staff to the French Minister for the Economy and Finance.
Reception and Dinner hosted by Michel-Henri Carriol at the Cercle de l’Union Interalliée.
EABC 2018 Business Mission to Europe - Report (Executive Summary) Page 11 Photo Gallery - Strasbourg
EABC Delegates meet with the European Parliament’s International Trade (INTA) Committee in Strasbourg.
Meeting with European Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis.
Delegates engage in discussions on the Australia-EU FTA with the INTA Committee.
EABC 2018 Business Mission to Europe - Report (Executive Summary) Page 12 Photo Gallery - Madrid
The EABC Delegation with His Majesty Felipe VI, King of Spain.
The Spain Australia Council Foundation hosted a lunch for the delegates at the Casino de Madrid, attended by HE Mr Josep Borrell Fontelles, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation.
Audience with His Majesty Felipe VI, King of Spain.
EABC 2018 Business Mission to Europe - Report (Executive Summary) Page 13 Photo Gallery - Lisbon
EABC Delegates hosted at the Presidential Palace by the President of Portugal.
Delegates participated in a Business Forum hosted by the Portuguese Confederation of Industry (CIP) and the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency (AICEP).
The Mayor of Lisbon, Fernando Medina, hosted a lunch for EABC Delegates in the Lisbon City Hall.
EABC 2018 Business Mission to Europe - Report (Executive Summary) Page 14 Photo Gallery - London
EABC Delegates at London’s Mansion House for a Financial Services Roundtable hosted by the City of London Sheriff Neil Redcliffe.
Delegates met with the Rt Hon Lord Peter Mandelson, Chair of Global Counsel, and a former UK Cabinet Minister and EU Commissioner for Trade.
Delegates with the Rt Hon Mark Field, Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific, at the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
EABC 2018 Business Mission to Europe - Report (Executive Summary) Page 15 Officials & Trade Representatives
The Hon Dr John McVeigh MP Australian Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government; former State (Queensland) Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; former State (Queensland) Shadow Minister for Science, Information Technology and Innovation
HE Mr Brendan Berne Australian Ambassador to France; former Chief of Staff to the Minister for Trade; former Deputy Head of Mission in Seoul; former Ambassador for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation; former Economist, Reserve Bank of Australia
HE Mr Brian Pontifex Australian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the OECD; former Chief of Staff to the Premier of Western Australia; former General Manager (Corporate Affairs), Woodside Energy Limited; former Legal Advisor, OECD; former Chief of Staff to the Minister for Justice and Customs; former Solicitor, Freehills
HE Mr Justin Brown PSM Australian Ambassador to the European Union, NATO, Belgium and Luxembourg; former Deputy Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; former High Commissioner to Canada; former Deputy Ambassador to the EU; former Consul-General in Los Angeles; former Head of the Asia Trade Taskforce
Ms Julie-Ann Guivarra Australian Ambassador-designate to Spain; former Assistant Secretary, South East Asia Invest- ment & Services Branch, DFAT; former Counsellor (Agriculture), Australian Permanent Mission to the WTO, Geneva; former Second Secretary, Australian High Commission, New Delhi; former Director, Services & Trade Negotiations Section, DFAT
Tim Kane Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Australian Embassy in Spain; former Australian Ambassador to Chile; former Counsellor, Australian Embassy, Washington DC; former Deputy Head of Mission, Mexico; former Senior Advisor, International Division, Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet
HE Mr Peter Rayner Australian Ambassador to Portugal; former Director, Pacific Regional Organisations and Governance, DFAT; Deputy Head of Mission in Rome; former Deputy Head of Mission in Dili; former Head of Post at the Australian Policy Liaison Office in Lisbon
HE The Hon George Brandis QC High Commissioner to the UK; former Attorney-General of Australia; former Minister for the Arts; former Leader of the Government in the Senate; former Barrister
Dr Stephanie Fahey (EABC Board Member) CEO, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade); Vice Chair, Australia-China Council; former Lead Partner for Education in Oceania, Advisory, EY; former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement), Monash University; former Director, the Foreign Affairs Council
Jennifer Mackinlay Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, Paris and Madrid Posts, Austrade; former Head of Client Development, Marketing, and Communications, Clifford Chance
Richard Leather Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, Western Europe; Australian Consul-General in Frankfurt; former Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for the United States and Canada; former Executive Director, Gresham Partners
David Watson Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, United Kingdom and Ireland, Austrade; former Senior Investment Specialist for Agribusiness and Food, Austrade; former Senior Executive, Mars Inc; former Partner, Minter Ellison; former Chair, Mars Australia
EABC 2018 Business Mission to Europe - Report (Executive Summary) Page 16 Business Delegates
The Hon Nick Greiner AC (EABC Chair) Chair Asia Pacific, QBE Insurance Group; Deputy Chair, CHAMP Private Equity; Deputy Chair, Accolade Wines; Chair Council of Advisors, Rothschild Australia; Chair Advisory Board, Crosby Textor; Advisor, Transurban; Member, Harvard Business School Asia-Pacific Advisory Board; former Premier and Treasurer of New South Wales
The Hon Simon Crean (EABC Deputy Chair)
Carla Zampatti AC (EABC Deputy Chair) Executive Chair, Carla Zampatti Group; Board Member, Australian Multicultural Foundation; Director, Sydney Dance Company; former Director - Westfield Holdings, Carindale Property Trust; former Chair, SBS Corporation (Australian Government)
Philip Aiken AM (EABC Corporate Council) Chair, Balfour Beatty; Chair AVEVA Group; Chair, Australia Day Foundation; Director, Newcrest Mining; former Group President Energy, BHP Billiton; former Chair, Robert Walters; former Director, National Grid; former Board Member, World Energy Council
Graham Bradley AM (EABC Board Member)
Michel-Henri Carriol (EABC Corporate Council) Chair and Managing Director, Filatex; Advisor to the French Government on International Trade; former Chair & Managing Director, Trimex; former Trade Attaché, Embassy of France in Australia
Geoff Charnock (EABC Corporate Member) Principal, Charnock O’Brien Legal; Senior Adviser, Cargotec Australia; Honorary Consul of Finland; former Partner, Deacons, Graham & James
Jeff Connolly (EABC Board Member) Chair & Chief Executive Officer, Siemens Pacific; National Trustee, CEDA; founding member, Australian Advanced Manufacturing Council; President (Victoria), Australian Industry Group; Chair, German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce; Member, German-Australian Advisory Group; Chair, Prime Minister’s Industry 4.0 Task Force; former Chair, Silcar
Judith Crompton (EABC Board Member) CEO, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Cover-More Group; former Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Australia; Head of Global Corporate Sales, Etihad Airways
Stephen Fitzgerald (EABC Corporate Council) Co-Founder and Chair, Affirmative Investment Management; Chair, Wilmington Group; Director, QBE Insurance Group; Director, Great Barrier Reef Foundation; Director Australian Business and Community Network; former Chair, Goldman Sachs Australia & New Zealand; former Member, Australian Future Fund Board of Guardians
Tracey Hinchley (EABC Corporate Member) Chief Operating Officer, The Group of Eight (Universities); former Corporate and Human Resources Manager, South East Asia Gas; former Senior Advisor, Australian Technology Network of Universities; former Corporate Services manager, ForestrySA
Justin Howden (EABC Board Member) Group Head of Government Affairs and Industry Development, H&H Group; Director, Complementary Medicines Australia; Director, Swinburne Ventures; former National President, Australian Malaysia Business Council; former President, Australian Philippines Business Council
EABC 2018 Business Mission to Europe - Report (Executive Summary) Page 17 Business Delegates
Professor Ian Jacobs (EABC Corporate Member) President and Vice-Chancellor, University of New South Wales; Chair, Group of Eight (Universities); Chair, Sydney Partnership for Health Education, Research and Enterprise; former Dean of Medicine, University College London; former Vice-President, University of Manchester
Joshua Lim (EABC Corporate Member) Deputy CEO & Company Secretary, IFM Investors; former Executive Director, IFM Investors
Andrew Low (EABC Board Member)
Andrew McCallum (EABC Board Member) Global Manager, Trade & Market Access, Meat & Livestock Australia; former General Manager, Solutions Marketing & Research; former Senior Research Officer, Australia Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics
Paul McClintock AO (EABC Corporate Council) Chair, Broadspectrum; Chair, NSW Ports; Chair, I-MED Network; Chair, The George Institute for Global Health; Chair, Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA); Director, St Vincent’s Health Australia; former Secretary to Cabinet and Head of the Cabinet Policy Unit; former Chair, Thales Australia
Zoe McKenzie (EABC Corporate Council) Principal, Trade & Investment Advisory; Board Member, French- Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; former Chief of Staff to the Minister for Trade; former Senior Researcher, Fondation pour l’innovation politique
Hugh Morgan AC (EABC Corporate Council) Chair, First Charnock; Chair, Order of Australia Association Foundation; Trustee Emeritus, Asia Society New York; President, National Gallery of Victoria Foundation; former President, Business Council of Australia; former Board Member, Reserve Bank of Australia
Sue Morphet (EABC Corporate Council) Chair, National Tiles; Director, Noni B; Director, Asaleo Care; Director, International Cleaning Solutions Group; Director, Fisher & Paykel Appliances Holdings New Zealand; Chair, Chief Executive Women (Victorian Chapter); former Chair, Manufacturing Australia; former CEO, Pacific Brands
Dick Porter (EABC Corporate Member)
Mark Rigotti (EABC Board Member) Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Smith Freehills
Francois Romanet (EABC Board Member) President Australasia, Naval Group; President, French Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Advisor to the French Government on International Trade; former CEO Safran Pacific
Emilio Romeo (EABC Board Member) Chief Executive Officer, Ericsson Australia & New Zealand; Board Member, Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association
EABC 2018 Business Mission to Europe - Report (Executive Summary) Page 18 Business Delegates
Mark Scholem Business Development Manager, GFG Alliance
Christian Seymour (EABC Corporate Member) Head of Infrastructure Europe, IFM Investors
Dr Ralf Thaeter (EABC Corporate Member) Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills
Vicki Thompson (EABC Corporate Member) Chief Executive Officer, Group of Eight; former Executive Director of the Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN), former Board member of the Australia-China Business Council
John Weber (EABC Board Member)
Brett Wickham (EABC Board Member) Managing Director, ACCIONA Energy Australia
EABC Secretariat
Jason Collins (EABC CEO) Chief Executive Officer, European Australian Business Council; Member, European Business Organisations Worldwide; Member, NSW Export & Investment Advisory Board (NSW Government); Director, Australia Youth Trust; former Chair, European Business Organisations Worldwide
Tim Goulain (EABC Secretariat) Director, Policy & Networks, European Australian Business Council; former Senior Consultant, Euralia; former Policy Advisor, European Parliament
Jo Johns (EABC Secretariat) Director, Membership & Programmes and Company Secretary, European Australian Business Council
EABC 2018 Business Mission to Europe - Report (Executive Summary) Page 19