Partnership between Canada and Australia’s export credit agencies opens opportunities for businesses in both countries
SYDNEY, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Export Development Canada (EDC) and Export Finance Australia (EFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation between the two organizations. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration on strategic financing opportunities and investment projects that support economic growth, energy security, supply chain resilience and sustainable development.
Through the partnership, EDC and EFA will explore opportunities for co-financing, transaction facilitation, joint outreach and knowledge sharing, while helping connect Canadian and Australian companies and investors to pursue opportunities in areas of mutual interest.
Canada and Australia share a longstanding trade and investment relationship built on strong commercial ties and common economic interests. In 2025, bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries totalled CAD$7.3 billion, with Canadian exports exceeding CAD$3 billion. Since the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) entered into force in 2018, bilateral merchandise trade has grown at an average annual rate of eight per cent.
Australia is the largest destination in the Asia-Pacific region for Canadian direct investment abroad, with Canadian direct investment in Australia reaching CAD$50.1 billion in 2025, while Australia’s direct investment in Canada totalled CAD$36.4 billion. Key areas of opportunity for Canadian and Australian companies include infrastructure, energy and energy transition, mining and critical minerals, agri-food and agtech, digital technologies, defence and aerospace.
Quotes
"Canada and Australia are trusted partners with a growing economic relationship that creates opportunities for workers and businesses in both countries. This past year, bilateral merchandise trade reached $7.3 billion, with Canadian exports exceeding $3 billion and two-way direct investment totalling more than $86 billion. This agreement between EDC and Export Finance Australia will help connect companies, attract investment and unlock opportunities in priority sectors that support long-term economic growth and resilience."
The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade
"Canada and Australia have built one of the strongest commercial relationships in the Asia-Pacific region, underpinned by significant two-way investment and complementary economic strengths. This agreement creates new opportunities for EDC and EFA to connect businesses, share expertise and support Canadian and Australian companies as they pursue growth opportunities abroad."
Alison Nankivell, President and CEO, Export Development Canada
"This collaboration will deepen co-operation with an important likeminded partner, further strengthening our investment capabilities. We both have a shared interest in a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and bringing our two export credit agencies closer together will create more opportunities for Aussie businesses and local jobs."
Senator the Hon. Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism
"Australia and Canada have a shared interest in strengthening economic security and creating new opportunities across the Indo-Pacific, and the scale of investment required across infrastructure, critical minerals and the energy transition means collaboration between like-minded partners is increasingly important. This agreement gives EFA and EDC a practical framework to continue to work together, share expertise and explore opportunities where our combined capabilities can make a real difference to Australian and Canadian businesses."
John Hopkins, Managing Director and CEO, Export Finance Australia
About Export Finance Australia
EFA is the Australian Government’s trade and strategic finance agency, backing Australian exporters, supply chains and overseas investment. EFA helps Australian businesses win work overseas, expand into new markets and participate in global supply chains. EFA also deploys finance to deliver national priorities that strengthen Australia’s economic security and regional partnerships. For more information visit www.exportfinance.gov.au.
About EDC
Export Development Canada (EDC) is a financial Crown corporation dedicated to helping Canadian businesses make an impact at home and abroad. EDC has the financial products and knowledge Canadian companies need to confidently enter new markets, reduce financial risk and grow their business as they go from local to global. Together, EDC and Canadian companies are building a more prosperous, stronger and sustainable economy for all Canadians. For more information and to learn how we can help your company, call us at 1-800-229-0575 or visit www.edc.ca.
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