Leveraging Trade Agreements and Government Support Programs for Asia-Pacific Expansion

A Trade Agreement Landscape Increasingly Friendly to SMEs

Australia has a broad network of free trade agreements across Asia-Pacific. IA-CEPA with Indonesia, AANZFTA with ASEAN and New Zealand, and CPTPP covering 11 countries have created an increasingly inclusive market access framework.

What distinguishes the latest generation of trade agreements is their explicit focus on SMEs. The AANZFTA Upgrade, for example, introduces new chapters and provisions specifically for micro, small, and medium enterprises, including trade digitalization and education services facilitation.

Katalis 2.0: A New Bridge for Indonesian and Australian SMEs

On 13 July 2026, Indonesia and Australia officially launched Katalis 2.0, a five-year program (2026–2031) focused on strengthening IA-CEPA implementation through support for SMEs. Indonesian Vice Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti emphasized that the SME sector contributes more than 60% of Indonesia’s GDP, making capacity building for business players key to capturing export opportunities.

The program covers priority sectors such as education, health, and SMEs, with the Australian government allocating AUD 40 million for its second phase.

Going Global Export Program: Direct Support from NSW

The New South Wales government, through the Going Global Export Program, offers a structured pathway for SMEs to enter Vietnam and Malaysia. Running from June to July 2026, the program includes a 4–6 week market preparation curriculum, market entry missions, and ongoing engagement with Investment NSW’s international network. Details can be found at https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/

Participants will attend a series of networking functions and events designed to connect them with key industry stakeholders, buyers, and specifiers in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Kuala Lumpur.

Southeast Asia Investment Deal Teams: Direct Investment Support

Through Austrade, the Southeast Asia Investment Deal Teams operating in Jakarta, Singapore, and Ho Chi Minh City provide direct support for Australian businesses seeking to invest in the region. The teams focus on strategic sectors including infrastructure, net zero transition, agrifood, health, digital economy, and advanced manufacturing.

Making the Most of Trade Agreements

Data from the DHL Export Barometer 2026 shows that 79% of Australian exporters consider free trade agreements an important tool in their market decisions, and the Australia-UK FTA has been used by 41% of exporters.

For Australian SMEs, the first step is to understand which agreement is most relevant to their product or service. For example, processed food exporters can leverage preferential tariffs under AANZFTA, while technology companies can use e-commerce provisions in CPTPP. The combination of trade agreement understanding, participation in government programs such as the Going Global Export Program, and support from Investment Deal Teams creates a comprehensive ecosystem for Australian SMEs to penetrate Asia-Pacific markets sustainably.