On the sea floor of the warm, shallow waters stretching from the Kimberley coast to northeast Arnhem Land live slimy, round trepang.

This delicacy, also known as sea cucumber, is reported to have initiated the first international trading relationship between First Nations people and Makassar fishermen from the island of Sulawesi, now part of Indonesia.

Starting in the early 1700s, Makassar fishermen travelled to Australia to farm and trade trepang, distributing it across Indonesia and mainland China. In return, the fishermen traded goods, including metal, with Aboriginal communities.

Today, First Nations businesses across Australia are making significant strides internationally in various sectors, including tourism, information technology, fashion, food and beverage, logistics, and professional services.

Wirangu and Kokatha man Paul Vandenberg is the director of the commercial fishing company Wanna Mar and the Indigenous wine label Munda Wines. Five years ago, he expanded globally by exporting tuna to Japan and later began exporting his wine to Canada. Harnessing his cultural knowledge, he highlighted the undeniable value of Indigenous-owned brands on the global stage.

"After receiving a huge order from Canada, Munda Wines was unexpectedly picked up in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, and recently we've received interest from the Native American Chamber of Commerce to supply casinos across the United States," he says.

"I think the opportunity for us as First Nations people lies in our products and in utilising 65,000 years of culture. One of the reasons Munda Wines secured the opportunity in Malaysia, I believe, is the historical sea cucumber trade that existed for hundreds of years."

While acknowledging that exporting goods requires tenacity and drive, Vandenberg explains that success also hinges on building strong relationships.

"I always emphasise to people, especially young Indigenous people, that relationships are key. That's how I got started – through the relationships I formed with non-Indigenous business owners and allies," he says.

"I spend at least 50 to 60 per cent of my time engaging with people, talking to them, and picking their brains."

Vandenberg says that expanding globally provided an opportunity to continue educating others about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

"Internationally, First Nations businesses are taking off. We're showcasing what an Indigenous brand looks like," he says.

"Our designs, our colours mean a lot to our people, and our language.

"A lot of that has been invisible to our global counterparts.

"So, it comes down to this. I'm not building a wine company; I'm building a storytelling company."