The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a private boardroom briefing at KPMG’s Sydney office, that focused on strengthening economic ties between Canada and Australia and navigating institutional investment opportunities. The event featured Paul Thoppil, Canada’s Indo-Pacific Trade Representative from Global Affairs Canada, as the keynote guest speaker. Welcome remarks were provided by CACC President, Mike McGrath. The discussion was hosted by Minh Dao, Partner and Deputy Lead of KPMG Australia’s National Deals Tax Practice and a member of the KPMG Australia board, while Mike Pyke, Executive Director and Co-Head of Equity Advisory for Australia and New Zealand at JLL, served as the moderator.
FEATURED PICTURE (left to right): Melissa Wharton (CEO – Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce), Minh Dao (Partner and Deputy Lead, National Deals Tax – KMPG Australia), Paul Thoppil (Canada’s Indo-Pacific Trade Representative – Global Affairs Canada), Mike McGrath (President – Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce) and Mike Pyke (Executive Director and Co-Head of Equity Advisory for Australia and New Zealand – JLL)
A key focus of the discussion was the significant influence of Canadian pension funds and Australian superannuation funds on global investment. These institutional investors play a crucial role in shaping international trade and capital flows between the two nations. As of 2023, Canada’s portfolio investment in Australia exceeded CA$58 billion, while Australian investments in Canada totaled approximately CA$27 billion across direct and portfolio investments. This dynamic exchange is driven by the two countries’ complementary resources, stable economic foundations, and long-term investment potential.
Institutional investors are leveraging their vast resources to invest in critical sectors such as infrastructure, real estate, and energy—key pillars of Australia’s economic landscape. Canada’s pension funds recognise Australia’s steady economic growth, well-regulated markets, and thriving innovation sectors, strategically allocating capital to maximize returns while fulfilling their long-term mandates.
Meanwhile, Australian superannuation funds are increasingly looking for global opportunities and should consider Canada as an investment destination. Canada offers a diverse range of opportunities across infrastructure, real estate, technology, and green energy—many of which align with the sustainability goals of institutional investors. With Canada’s strong commitment to innovation and environmentally friendly initiatives, it presents an attractive landscape for capital deployment.
PICTURED (left to right): Pamela Wearing (Senior Regional Manager – Americas at Global Victoria), Minh Dao (Partner and Deputy Lead, National Deals Tax – KMPG Australia) and Paul Thoppil (Canada’s Indo-Pacific Trade Representative – Global Affairs Canada)
Overall, this boardroom briefing played a vital role in strengthening Canada-Australia economic ties by providing institutional investors with insights into both economies. Both nations boast rich natural resources, cutting-edge technological advancements, and highly skilled workforces. Understanding regulatory frameworks, compliance requirements, and geopolitical factors is essential for optimizing investment outcomes. By advocating for cohesive policies, investors can help reinforce bilateral relations and drive growth in key sectors such as infrastructure, real estate, technology, and sustainable energy.
The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) is a non-profit, volunteer based organisation that aims to bring businesses together to facilitate a strong environment for economic trade and investment between Canada and Australia.
Written by Ava Tunney
