Asia Society Australia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are pleased to host a private briefing and roundtable discussion with Mr Tim Yeend, Associate Secretary (Trade and Investment), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Mr Yeend is Australia’s most senior trade and investment official. He has over 30 years’ experience at the highest levels of government and in the international system, including as Australian Ambassador to the WTO and other international organisations in Geneva. He was the Principal Adviser and Chief of Staff to former WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo and current WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iwaela.

The discussion will focus on the current geo-strategic outlook in Asia with a specific focus on China, and on Australia’s economic interests and trade and investment priorities.

Asia Society Australia’s Executive Director (Policy), Richard Maude, will facilitate the discussion which will be held under Chatham House Rule.

Date: Friday, 24 February 2023
Time: 2:45pm for 3:00pm – 4:00pm AEDT
Venue: Asia Society Australia, Level 24, Angel Place, 123 Pitt Street, Sydney

This event is by invitation only and registration is essential. For any enquiries, please contact [email protected] 

This roundtable is delivered in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

About our Speaker

Tim Yeend, Associate Secretary in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Tim Yeend was appointed Associate Secretary in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with responsibility for trade and investment in November 2021. He has over 30 years experience at the highest levels of government and in the international system, providing strategic direction and vision on trade and related issues.

Before assuming his current role, Mr Yeend worked at the World Trade Organization as Principal Adviser and Chief of Staff to former Director-General Roberto Azevedo and current Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iwaela. He also led the World Trade Organization’s engagement with G20 Leaders as WTO Sherpa.

Prior to this, Mr Yeend was the Australian Ambassador to the WTO and other international economic organisations in Geneva. He has also worked in a number of senior positions in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including overseas assignments in Switzerland, Indonesia and South Africa. He worked as an adviser to former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer and Trade Minister Mark Vaile. He has also worked in the former Departments of Primary Industries and Energy and Transport.

Mr Yeend holds a BA (Hons) from the Australian National University as well as postgraduate qualifications from the UK.