Australia holds an established position as a key player in global trade and investment, with a strategic location in the Asia-Pacific region, stable political environment and a clear legal framework. With close proximity to major markets such as Japan, South Korea, China and the ASEAN region, Australia is an important hub for trade and investment, particularly in industries such as mining, agriculture, and finance. Additionally, Australia’s cultural and historical ties to Asia, combined with its language skills and understanding of the region, have further enhanced its position as a gateway to Asia.

Economic and geopolitical headwinds are buffeting the global economy, giving investors every reason to proceed with care. But while Australia is not immune to these issues, foreign investors in this research are expecting to make further investments in the market during 2023 and beyond – albeit with a sense of cautious optimism.

Against this backdrop, the Investor Sentiment Study 2023 provides a snapshot of the strong track record of foreign investment activity and sentiment about future opportunities in Australia. Highlighting opportunities across a number of important sectors and megatrends, it examines risks and challenges foreign investors need to consider to guarantee success when entering the Australian market. In partnership with MinterEllison, 192 international decision makers were surveyed to gain insights into their investment intentions and perceptions of the Australian market. Respondents were evenly split across regions and domiciled in North America, Asia Pacific and Europe. By organisation type, 85 per cent were corporations/industrial participants and 15 per cent were financial sponsors/funds/private equity. Respondents were represented from the following primary industries: TMT, energy and resources, financial services, financial buyers, real estate and construction, agribusiness, consumer and healthcare.

This report, Part 1 of a 3 part series. provides a snapshot of the strong track record of foreign investment activity and sentiment about future opportunities in Australia. It highlights opportunities across a number of important sectors and megatrends, and looks at challenges foreign investors need to consider.

In Parts 2 and 3 of our Investor Sentiment Series to be released soon, we will further explore investment trends by sector and examine the factors that investors should take into consideration to set themselves up for success.

This report is also available to download from minterellison.com.