Economic uncertainty and an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape have made the Asia-Pacific region increasingly challenging for Australian business to navigate. Yet, with an emerging middle class across the region, grasping the economic and political headwinds faced throughout Asia has never been more important.

As Australian firms look to take advantage of the Federal Government’s engagement across Asia, what does business need to know about the state of supply chains, prospects for trade diversification, clean energy uptake, and multilateral trade deals?

Asia Society Australia is pleased to invite you to an exclusive Executive Briefing with Ms Jan Adams AO PSM, Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. With her extensive experience in foreign policy and trade relations, Ms Adams will provide an in-depth analysis of Asia-Australia economic relations and the future prospects for trade and investment across the region.

Join Asia Society Australia over an intimate lunch at the offices of Asia Society Australia corporate leader Norton Rose Fulbright to hear from Ms Jan Adams AO PSM at this in-person invite-only Executive Briefing.

Please note that this event will be held under Chatham House Rule.

Date: Monday 10 July, 2023

Time: 12:15 arrival for 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm

Venue: Melbourne CBD

Registration is essential. For any enquiries, please contact [email protected]

This executive briefing is co-hosted by Norton Rose Fulbright.

 About our Speaker

Jan Adams AO PSM, Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Jan Adams AO PSM was appointed Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 1 July 2022. Prior to this, Ms Adams was Australia's Ambassador to Japan from November 2020 to June 2022 and before that Australia's Ambassador to China from 2016 to 2019.

From April 2013 to 2016, Ms Adams was Deputy Secretary with responsibility for trade and economic issues. In this role she oversaw Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement negotiations and the conclusion of free trade agreements with China, Korea and Japan. She previously led the department's Free Trade Agreement Division.

Ms Adams served as Ambassador for the Environment and Ambassador for Climate Change between 2005 and 2008 and as Minister Counsellor (Trade) in Washington from 2000 to 2004.

Ms Adams joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 1999 as Assistant Secretary, APEC Branch.

From 1993 to 1996, Ms Adams was an Adviser to the Minister for Trade and Minister for Industry, Science and Technology. She also previously worked in the OECD secretariat in Paris (Trade and Environment Directorates) and at the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

In 2016, Ms Adams was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to international relations through the advancement of Australia's diplomatic and free trade relationships, particularly with the United States of America, South Korea, Japan and China. In 2007, she was awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) for outstanding public service in pursuing Australia's international objectives on trade and the environment.

Ms Adams holds Honours degrees in Economics and Law from Monash University and is a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. She grew up in Wodonga, Victoria and is married with one adult son.

 Asia Society Australia acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.