Austrade Trade and Investment Commissioner Melanie Harris says we are only starting to see the true potential of First Nations business in exporting to international markets.

Austrade is the federal government's trade and investment promotion agency, helping Australian businesses go global.

The proud Yuin woman, who became the first female Indigenous Trade and Investment Commissioner in 2021, says First Nations businesses are succeeding across Australia's goods and services exports.

"The Australian government is supporting this success through an inclusive First Nations trade and investment agenda that has the potential to deliver economic growth and economic prosperity for First Nation businesses and their communities," she told the National Indigenous Times.

"We are incorporating First Nations business interests into our trade negotiations, global engagements, bilateral and regional relationships and export growth strategies."

Harris says First Nations businesses at home and abroad are finally getting the recognition Indigenous companies deserve.

She says her ancestors were the first traders and diplomats and had been trading knowledge and technology with the world for centuries.

"I think Indigenous businesses are an untapped sector, and for me personally, I believe I should be using my voice and role to talk about those businesses that are doing great things both domestically and globally," she says.

"Our trading history is a story the world should know. That story continues to unfold, with trade routes for Indigenous-led goods and services now springing off from Australia to all parts of the globe.

"There is a rich continuous history; from trading goods with Makassan seafarers in Indonesia for generations, to now exporting native botanicals, art, design, cyber and clean energy solutions to world markets."

Harris says Indigenous exporters made a great contribution to communities and to the broader Australian economy.

She says it's well-known that First Nations businesses were more likely to train and employ Indigenous staff and channel profits back into their communities.

The value of Indigenous trade is felt back along the supply chain and into communities on-country where jobs and wealth are created.

"I'm proud that Austrade took the first step to celebrate Indigenous exporters through sponsorship of the Supply Nation's Indigenous Exporter of the Year since 2021," she says.

"This year Elephant in the Room, a professional services company, won, highlighting the breadth and diversity of Indigenous exporters and joining the previous winners, Tagai Management Consultants, Kalinda IT and Aldridge Railway."

With Southeast Asia expected to become the fourth largest economy by 2040, Harris's role in helping to grow Australia's business in the region is more important than ever.

One of her critical roles is helping Indigenous businesses expand into the region through support at trade shows, trade missions and testing their products in the market.

"Australia and Southeast Asia share highly complementary economies," she says.

"Regional proximity and close economic ties are expected to deliver strong growth across energy transformation, advanced manufacturing and tech and commodities to meet the needs of a rapidly growing middle class.

"As part of my role, I support the Australia Southeast Asia Business Exchange program that aims to increase two-way trade between Australia and Southeast Asia.

"As part of this I have supported Australian delegations across digital, cyber and green energy sectors including First Nations businesses including Baidam Cyber Security and Garli Group."

When Harris landed the Trade and Investment Commission job in early late 2019, she was planning to move to Malaysia once her daughter finished year 12. However, just before jetting off to Southeast Asia to start the plum role she was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).

After 18 months of treatment, she finally started at the Trade and Investment Commission in December 2021.

"I don't have a typical Trade and Investment Commissioner story as I don't come from industry, from an international background," she says.

"What I found though is when I got to work in the front-of-house roles, I really enjoyed meeting all different types of people, listening to their stories and experiences and finding innovative solutions to their problems."

Harris believes that leaders at Austrade who championed diversity created an environment where she felt comfortable bringing her full self to work.

This gave her the confidence to apply for the Trade and Investment Commissioner role in Malaysia and Brunei.