While ACITI’s beginnings are humble, our vision is not. Our purpose is to: build a centre that provides the general public with non-technical information on key trade and investment issues; build the capacity of Australian firms to engage in international trade and investment; and strengthen Australia's policy capability to help resolve difficult issues impeding international economic cooperation.
Increase access to information on the profile, practice, policy and research on Australia's international trade and investment and its impact on the Australian economy and way of life.
Promote increased engagement and collaboration between industry, government, researchers and analysts working on and in international trade and investment.
Promote increased scholarship on international trade and investment issues relevant to Australia.
Provide tailored research and analysis on international trade and investment questions.
ACITI’s purpose is achieved through its four core activities: ACITI Info, ACITI Forum, ACITI Research and ACITI Services
Dr Prudence Gordon
Executive Director
ACITI was founded by Pru Gordon in 2020. Pru has worked on trade and investment issues as an academic, a diplomat, a policy maker, in an industry association and as a senior adviser to three Australian trade and investment ministers. She has had a life-long interest in international trade and investment and their impact on the everyday lives of Australians.
Pru was most recently Senior Adviser to the Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Earlier roles include General Manager, Trade and Economics at the National Farmers Federation, Adviser and Senior Adviser to two former Ministers for Trade, Tourism and Investment, and officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). At DFAT, Pru worked in the Office of Trade Negotiations and the China Economic and Trade Section. She spent three years as a diplomat working in the Trade Branch of the Australian Embassy in Washington DC. Prior to joining DFAT, Pru worked in the School of Politics and International Relations at the University of New South Wales, and the Department of International Relations at the Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Australian National University. She spent two years as Dean and Acting Head, Fenner Hall, at the Australian National University. She began her career as the Trade Policy and Research Adviser with the Parliamentary Research Service, Parliament House, Canberra.
Pru has a Bachelor of Arts (History)(Honours) from the University of New South Wales, a Master of Arts (International Relations) from the Australian National University, and a Doctor of Philosophy (International Political Economy) from the University of New South Wales.
Mr Bryan Clark
Director
Bryan Clark has over 25 years' experience in industry representation and advocacy. He was most recently Strategic Adviser to the Simplified Trade System (STS). Prior to joining the STS, Bryan spent ten years focused on global trade policy and advocacy at the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) where he was the Director of the International Chamber of Commerce, Australia.
Through his involvement in ACCI, Bryan was an active member of a number of international networks and is the initial point of contact in these relationships for:
• The International Chamber of Commerce
• The Business and Industry Advisory Committee for the OECD
• Confederation of Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Through his position he is often invited to participate in other external groups. Examples include:
• Seconded to the Australian Governments’ Deregulation Taskforce (Treasury, August – November 2019)
• Lead the ACCI project developing a Trade Community System for Australia
• Membership of the Advisory Board to the National Contact Point for the OECD Guidelines on Multinational Enterprises (Treasury)
• Member of the Peak Industry Roundtable on Modern Slavery (Home Affairs)
• Member of the World Council for the International Chamber of Commerce
• Member of the World Certificate of Origin Council for the World Chambers Federation (within ICC)
• Member of the International Trade Remedies Forum for the Antidumping Commission
• Chairman of the Indian Ocean Rim Associations’ Business Forum (2012–14) and continuing active member.
• Convenor of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Business Partnership Group (2012-2018)
• Member of Industry Reference Group on Trusted Trader (Home Affairs)
• Member of National Trade Facilitation Committee (Home Affairs)
• Member of the Trade Facilitation Initiatives Working Group (Home Affairs)
• Member of the International Policy Advisory Committee (Standards Australia)
• A member of the Melbourne Commercial Arbitration Centre’s Advisory Committee (2012-2016)
• Represented BIAC in the OECD SE Asia Summit in 2013
• Invited to present to the Government of Taiwan in regards to accession to the Trans Pacific Partnership.
• Member of the editorial committee for Business Envoy magazine produced by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. (2014-18)
• Vice Chairman, Australia- ASEAN Bilateral Business Council
• Lead projects on Women’s Economic Empowerment and Trade Facilitation in the Indian Ocean Rim (DFAT funded)
Prior to working for ACCI, Bryan held a number of roles in the agricultural sector in Australia, as well as operating a consultancy for 8 years.
Bryan commenced his career in the agricultural sector in the 1980s, farming with his family on a mixed irrigation property near Griffith in NSW, producing mainly rice, wheat, sheep and cattle.
Professor Jacqueline Lo
Non-Executive Director
Professor Jacqueline Lo is Director of the Indo-Pacific Research Centre at Murdoch University. She is also Honorary Professor at the Australian National University. An internationally recognised Humanities scholar and pioneer of Asian Australian Studies, her work on multiculturalism, diaspora and public policy has influenced academic and policy sectors in Europe, Asia and the USA.
Jacqueline is a highly experienced academic leader in management, academic governance, teaching and research training. She has particular expertise in stakeholder engagement, international partnership development and academic diplomacy.
She was formerly Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) of the University of Adelaide (2020-2022). Prior to this, she was Chair of Academic Board at the ANU (2016-2020), as well as Associate Dean (International) for the ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences and Executive Director of the Centre for European Studies (co-funded by the European Commission). Jacqueline is the Founding Chair of the Asian Australian Studies Research Network and was awarded the Knight of the Academic Palms in 2014 by the French Government.
Peter Grist
Non-Executive Director
Peter Grist has a wealth of experience in economic analysis, public policy, and industry advocacy across a wide range of sectors. He has held economic research and public policy roles in Australia and the United States in industry associations, government, private consulting and academe.
Peter is Director Economics, Industry and Sustainability with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is a business representative on the advisory board of the National Contact Point for MNE Responsible Business Conduct and represents Australian business on Business@OECD tax and environmental committees.
Peter previously worked at the National Association of Home Builders in Washington DC, in the United States, the Australian Forest Products Association, BIS Shrapnel (now Oxford Economics), the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics, and at the Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies at the Australian National University.
Georgie McKeon
Project Director
Georgie McKeon brings significant trade policy experience to ACITI following a long-standing career in the Australian Public Service where she worked on international trade issues at both the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Georgie's keen interest in agricultural trade issues has seen her represent the Australian Government at Free Trade Agreement negotiations with China, Japan, Korea and India, including on tariff negotiations, and Sanitary and Phytosanitary issues.
Most recently, Georgie worked as Chief of Staff to an Australian Senator where she also provided advice on international trade issues.
Outside of work Georgie enjoys spending time with her young family, gardening and entertaining at home. Georgie has a Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies) from the University of Adelaide and a Masters of International Law from the Australian National University.
Johan Pretorius
Lead Visual Designer
Johan Pretorius is a dedicated and conscientious professional with extensive supervisory experience and a proven track record of leading teams to success. In his role as Head Graphic Designer in the corporate world, Johan managed high-profile ad campaigns, corporate identities, and exhibitions, effectively coordinating cross-departmental efforts to create impactful marketing strategies.
His leadership and commitment to excellence consistently resulted in projects being completed ahead of schedule and generating high-quality leads that drove sales. After founding his own Graphic Design Studio, Johan expanded his expertise into the online marketing space.
He now specialises in front-end website development, online marketing, video marketing, and content creation for social media platforms. Known for his adaptability and quick learning, Johan stays ahead of industry trends and excels in a variety of platforms. His philosophy is simple: always stand out and never be ordinary.
Oliver Grist
Research & Executive Assistance
Oliver Grist has a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Innovation from the Australian National University (ANU) and is completing a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Renewable Energy Systems also at the ANU.
Ollie has a keen interest in international supply chain management and new renewable energy technologies. He is a talented soccer player, runner, cyclist and an excellent cook.
Charlie Dalco
ACITI Intern
Charlie Dalco is currently in his final university semester completing a double flexible degree in a Bachelor of Commerce and Arts at the Australian National University.
Charlie has a deep interest in Geopolitics and would like to work for Australian firms entering emerging markets in the Middle East and Asia. He has taken on an ACITI internship to gain valuable experience and to meet experts that he can learn from about the field of trade and investment and Australia's place within it.
Charlie's favorite sport is AFL and he is a Sydney Swans supporter! Charlie also enjoys playing basketball. Welcome Charlie!
Laura Heath
ACITI Intern
Laura Heath is in her final semester studying a Double Degree combining a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Arts at the Australian National University, majoring in International Business and Global Security.
During her time at university, Laura's enjoyed learning about international relations and the role Australia plays in promoting international trade and investment. She's really looking forward to the opportunities that an ACITI internship provides in progressing what she's been learning at university into real–life contexts.
Outside of her studies, Laura loves to travel and stay active. In 2023, she spent 3 months backpacking around Europe and participated in an exchange at the University of Leeds. Awesome!
Michaela Spiteri
ACITI Intern
Michaela Spiteri is a final year student at the Australian National University (ANU), studying a Bachelor of Commerce (International Business) and a Bachelor of Law (Honours).
Michaela recently completed a semester exchange to Radboud University, Netherlands and is keen to broaden her international perspective with ACITI. She has a particular interest in how business and the law intersect to shape foreign investment opportunities.
Michaela is passionate about culture and how it is reflected in her two great loves – food and design. Great to have you on board Michaela!
Nick Wilkes
ACITI Intern
Nick Wilkes is currently studying a Double Bachelors Degree of Commerce and International Relations, majoring in International Business.
In the future, Nick is looking for any career that allows him to travel and see the world! From this internship with ACITI he hopes to expand his knowledge of international trade and the dynamics and role of Australia’s position within the international trading system.
Nick's other interests include aviation and exercise. Nick has visited 55 different countries in his short time on the planet and lived in the United Arab Emirates for 4 years. Pleased the ACITI internship will keep you in one place for a short while Nick!
Driven by a commitment to Australia's sovereignty, prosperity and contribution to building a peaceful and prosperous world, ACITI upholds the following core values:
Impact: We strive for tangible and positive outcomes for Australian businesses, investors, and the broader economy and community through our information sharing, research and analysis, events and network building. We measure success by the real-world impact we generate.
Objectivity: We maintain an independent and non-partisan approach, providing unbiased information and analysis devoid of personal or political agendas. We prioritize data-driven insights and evidence-based recommendations.
Collaboration: We foster strong partnerships with government, businesses, academia, and communities, recognizing the collective power of diverse perspectives and expertise. We share knowledge openly and work together to achieve shared goals.
Inclusion: We champion equal access to opportunities in international trade and investment, advocating for the participation of all sectors and demographics in contributing to Australia's ability to capitalise on, and contribute to, engagement with global markets.
Innovation: We embrace creative solutions and new approaches to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of international trade and investment. We encourage experimentation and learning from emerging trends.
Sustainability: We recognize the interconnectedness of economic growth, environmental responsibility, and social well-being. We promote trade and investment strategies that contribute to a sustainable future for Australia and the global community.
Integrity: We operate with the highest ethical standards, conducting ourselves with transparency, accountability, and fairness in all our activities. We earn and maintain the trust of our stakeholders through consistent integrity.
Excellence: We are committed to delivering high-quality research, analysis, and services that set the benchmark in the field. We continuously strive to improve and evolve, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and expertise.
By upholding these values, ACITI aims to serve as a trusted and valuable resource for all Australians seeking to understand, engage with, and benefit from the complex world of international trade and investment.
You can join the ACITI network by contributing your expertise to ACITI Research, Partnering with ACITI on events, and/or becoming a financial Supporter by sponsoring ACITI events.
Experts
ACITI is keen to showcase new research, commentary and analysis on international trade and investment issues relevant to Australia. If you would like your work referenced on the ACITI website, or want to let us know about work done by others, please email research@aciti.org.au
Partners
If you would like to partner with ACITI in running an event or collaborating on a project or research topic related to advancing Australia’s international trade and investment engagement, please email partners@aciti.org.au
Supporters
As a not-for-profit, ACITI relies on donations to support our work. To make a contribution please email us at supporters@aciti.org.au
