Our History
For 60 years, the Australian Institute of Export (AIEx) has provided practical education and training, advice and advocacy to the Australian export
community. In 2013, following extensive consultation with our stakeholders, an evolution came about, resulting in the AIEx becoming the education
division of the newly-founded Export Council of Australia (ECA).
Background of the AIEx
Established in 1957, the AIEx quickly became Australia’s leading provider of education and training in international trade. Through practical education and training, AIEx assisted many thousands of companies to develop and grow business skills in international trade.
Training programmes:
- Export Procedures & Documentation
- Import Procedures & Documentation
- Understanding Documentary Credits
- Online import and export courses
- International Trade Law & IP
- Distance delivered accredited international trade courses
- Advanced Diploma in International Business Management
International trade publications:
- The Australian Export Handbook: now in its 21st Edition
- The Australian Import Handbook: 1 edition
- International Trade Procedures Guidelines: 1 edition
The evolution
Recognising the changing needs of the Australian international business community, the AIEx underwent an evolution and is now a brand under the
ECA. Over the past three years, the ECA increasingly focussed on developing practical programmes and creating business tools that build the
capability and capacity of Australian companies to grow internationally.
Australia has recently signed three free trade agreements, with Japan, South Korea and China, bringing the total number of trade agreements to 10. These agreements lower tariffs but still leave market entry questions for many businesses.
The challenge is: how in Australia can we capitalise on these market opportunities and support Australian companies to take advantage of international opportunities?
To meet this challenge, and learning from independent analysis showing the success of similar programmes in the UK and the USA, the ECA has recently
invested in creating a range of new programmes that encourage more companies to actively pursue international opportunities and offer accessible
and affordable support to help them.
For further information, please visit the Skills Development section of our website.

Join Us
Become A Member
Ed Serrano
Managing Director,
VEKTA Advanced Automation
Member of the ECA
"In 2014 Vekta Automation became involved in the Export Awards and started to get a better understanding about the role of the Export Council of Australia.
After attending a seminar in Perth in February 2019 the decision was instantly made and we signed up the next day. A decision we should have made 5
years earlier. For Vekta, the information, expertise and networking opportunities that the ECA provides has been valuable. It is reassuring knowing
that there are experienced and knowledgeable people we can turn to when advice is needed."
Featured Member
Established in 1970, Mavlab Animal Health Pty Ltd is a Queensland based, family-owned, GMP licenced manufacturer of veterinary pharmaceuticals and pet care products. Mavlab has an extensive range of prescription and over the counter
products sold in a growing number of global markets. Contract manufacturing opportunities are also available.