International
Engagement

Perth is the only Australian capital city on the Indian Ocean Rim.
Sailing activity on the Swan River

Recent Activities

The City of Perth regularly engages with international visitors to our city, whether they be visiting student groups, potential investors or foreign dignitaries.

  • Crowd of seated people with a panel of presenters and an online panel member

    City hosts sold out West Tech Fest event, December 2021

    The City hosted the sold-out event Reimagining Creative Digital Industries: Indonesia as part of the West Tech Fest 2021 and under the auspices of the Perth-Denpasar MOU.

    Watch the recording

  • Webinar Screen with Art

    Perth-Denpasar MOU: Animation Workshop, October 2021

    The first activity under the Perth-Denpasar MOU, an Animation Workshop for students in Denpasar, was delivered by Bali-based illustrator, Monez, and North Metro TAFE in a collaborative masterclass building creative links between the two cities.

  • Conference room with children

    Chengdu Youth Envoy Contest, August 2021

    Representatives from the City of Perth and Australia China Business Council WA took part in an online meeting with high school and university teams from Chengdu discussing Perth and its relationship with Chengdu.

  • Audience for a presentation

    How the Best Win in Asia, May 2021

    The City collaborated with Asialink Business to deliver an event highlighting how small and medium size businesses can build strong and profitable business relationships in Asia, and how to maintain these relationships during COVID-19. 
  • Audience for a presentation

    China's 14th Five-Year Plan: Prospects for Western Australia, April 2021

    The City of Perth supported the Australia China Business Council Western Australia (ACBC WA) for a discussion surrounding China's 14th Five-Year Plan and prospective opportunities for Western Australian businesses and institutions. 
  • Audience for a presentation

    An Introduction to the Thai Business and Investment Community in Perth, February 2021

    The City of Perth hosted the Australia Thailand Business Chamber WA for an introduction to the Thai business and investment community in Perth. The event provided a platform for greater understanding and stronger connections between local businesses and associations and prominent Thai individuals and organisations.
  • Crowd standing in a line

    Lord Mayor hosted Roundtable Luncheon with the Asia Business Council of WA, February 2021

    Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas and City of Perth Councillors hosted the Asia Business Council of Western Australia Incorporated for a roundtable discussion regarding the City’s engagement in the region. WA’s trade relationships within Asia are crucial to the state’s prosperity, with eight of WA’s top ten trade partners located in Asia.
  • People standing around a document being signed

    Creative and Digital Economy Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing between the cities of Perth and Denpasar, December 2020

    During a ceremony at Council House on 14 December, Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas and Michelle Reynolds, CEO, signed an official MOU connecting Perth and Denpasar in a collaboration to mutually benefit the creative and digital economies of both cities.

Internationally Connected

The City of Perth is committed to being an active member of the international community and as such maintains involvement in a variety of international organisations and programs as well as with our Sister and Friendship Cities.


With established government and business contacts in a variety of cities the City of Perth's Sister City program acts as a gateway to new markets providing trade, investment and knowledge-sharing opportunities.


Contact the City of Perth to learn more about how your organisation can engage with our international networks.

The City of Perth's
Friendship and Sister Cities

  • Chengdu

    Chengdu and Perth signed a Sister City agreement in 2012. Key focus areas for the relationship include reciprocal education exchanges, tourism promotion and innovation.

    Visit website
    Night View of Jin River and Anshun Bridge, Chengdu - China
  • Houston

    Houston and Perth signed a Sister City agreement in 1984. The relationship is based on similarities between the cities as resource and energy hubs and as founding members of the World Energy Cities Partnership.

    Visit website
    Houston
  • Kagoshima

    Kagoshima is Perth’s oldest Sister City, with the relationship established in 1974. Key focus areas for the relationship include education institution and student exchanges.

    Visit website
    Kagoshima, Japan
  • Megisti-Kastellorizo

    Megisti-Kastellorizo and Perth signed a Sister City agreement in 1984. The relationship is based on historical migration.

    Visit website
    Kastellorizo (Megisti Meis) Greece
  • Nanjing

    Nanjing and Perth established a Sister City relationship in 1998. Focus areas for the relationship include reciprocal education and cultural exchanges.

    Visit website
    Nanjing, China
  • Perth, Scotland

    Perth, Scotland and Perth signed a Charter of Mutual Friendship in 2006. The relationship is based on our shared name.

    Visit website
    Perth, Scotland
  • Rhodes

    Rhodes and Perth established a Sister City relationship in 1984. The relationship is based on historical migration.

    Visit website
    Rhodes
  • San Diego

    San Diego and Perth entered into a Sister City agreement in 1987. The relationship is based on a shared coastal lifestyle as well as maritime and healthcare industries.

    Visit website
    San Diego, California
  • Seocho

    Seocho and Perth signed a Charter of Mutual Friendship in 2008. Focus areas for the relationship include reciprocal education and cultural exchanges.

    Visit website
    Seocho Korea
  • Taipei

    Taipei and Perth established a Charter of Mutual Friendship in 1999. Key focus areas for the relationship include an annual curatorial exchange and developing innovative industries.

    Visit website
    Taipei
  • Vasto

    Vasto and Perth signed a Sister City agreement in 1989. The relationship is based on key linkages between the Perth business community and Vasto.

    Visit website
    Vasto, Italy

World Energy Cities Partnership

Established in 1995, the World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP) is a non-profit organisation whose member cities are globally recognised as international energy capitals.

The WECP primarily serves to facilitate business-to-business interaction, partnerships in energy-related activities, and the sharing of industry knowledge, contacts, and experiences, while providing a worldwide network of industry support services and resources.

As a founding member of the WECP, Perth has long been a knowledge and innovation centre of the global energy industry, and is the leading resources and energy city in the Indo-Pacific region. With our well-established credentials in the resources and energy industry, Perth is the perfect place to set up your business.

For more information visit: energycities.org

World Energy Cities Partnership

World Energy Cities Partnership Members

Aberdeen, Scotland

Atyrau, Kazakhstan

Calgary, Canada

Cape Town, South Africa

Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Daqing, P.R. China

Dongying, P.R. China

Barranquilla, Colombia

Esbjerg, Denmark

Halifax, Canada


Houston, USA

Karamay, P.R. China

Luanda, Angola

Perth, Australia

Kobe, Japan

St. John’s, Canada

Stavanger, Norway

Villahermosa, Mexico

Global Business & Talent Attraction

Australia is an ideal business, investment, education and lifestyle destination, and one of the most prosperous, safe and culturally diverse countries in the world.

Perth, recently named the world’s 6th most livable city, offers great opportunities for innovation, with strong trading links, an enviable geographic location and time zone, and a business-friendly regulatory approach. Perth is a great choice to live, work and invest.


To ensure the Australian economy continues to grow and develop, the Federal Government has developed dedicated talent attraction programs designed to turbocharge the Australian economy and are seeking to attract the brightest and best global talent to work in future-focused sectors such as:

Enabling Technologies & Sciences

Pathways have been established for individuals and businesses looking to move to Australia, as well for Australian businesses and startups looking to sponsor global talent. Find more information and check your eligibility using the links below:


The Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce

Global Talent Visa program

Global Talent Employer Sponsored program


The City can provide a prioritised referral service to the Department of Home Affairs. Please contact the Economic Development Unit to discuss your move to Perth.

International Business Associations

A range of local and international business chambers and councils operate in Western Australia and are here to help your business set up, relocate, grow and thrive in Perth. These organisations also provide access to business and social activities relating to the country or region they represent.

American Chamber of Commerce in AustraliaArab Chamber of Commerce & IndustryAustralian British Chamber of Commerce in AustraliaAustralia China Business Council WAAustralia India Business Council WAAustralia Indonesia Business CouncilAustralia Israel Chamber of CommerceAustralia Korea Business CouncilHong Kong Australia Business Association WAFrench Australian Chamber of CommerceJapan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in PerthWestern Australia Singapore Business ConnectItalian Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Australia - PerthWestern Australia Singapore Business ConnectWestern Australia Vietnam Business CouncilChina Chamber of Commerce in Australia (WA Branch)

Other Useful Associations

A supportive network of local, government and non-government agencies are here to help facilitate your smooth transition to conducting business in Perth.

Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation Logo
The Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) is Western Australia’s lead agency for economic development, international trade and investment, and tourism. It also leads the promotion and development of the defence, international education, science and innovation sectors in Western Australia.

Australian Trade and Investment Commission Logo
The Australian Trade and Investment Commission – Austrade – contributes to Australia’s economic prosperity by helping Australian businesses, education institutions, tourism operators, governments and citizens as they: develop international markets and promote international education, win productive foreign direct investment, strengthen Australia’s tourism industry and seek consular and passport services.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA Logo
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that has been the voice of business in WA for more than 125 years. With more than 9000 members from across all regions and industries, their mission is to make it easier to do business in this state and ensure that WA is a place where businesses of all shapes and sizes can succeed.

Asialink Business Logo
Asialink Business is the National Centre for Asia capability, supporting organisations to engage with Asia through capability development programs, research and information, and public forums and events. Working across all sectors of the economy, they design and deliver impactful solutions tailored to our clients’ niche Asian growth needs. Their expertise covers all Asian economies and includes extensive experience assisting organisations enter, grow and expand their business with Asia.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Logo

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade works to make Australia stronger, safer and more prosperous, to provide timely and responsive consular and passport services, and to ensure a secure Australian Government presence overseas. The department provides foreign, trade and development policy advice to the government, and works with other government agencies to ensure that Australia's pursuit of its global, regional and bilateral interests is coordinated effectively.

Office of Multicultural Interests Logo
The Office of Multicultural Interests provides information, advice, funding, training and support to communities and community organisations to help build strong communities that maintain and share their diverse cultures and participate actively in all aspects of Western Australian life.