History

Australian Business In Europe (ABIE) was founded in London in October 1975. The objective was to provide a forum for Australians working in Europe and European business people associated with Australian industry to meet regularly, get to know each other and discuss topics of mutual interest.

Today, ABIE has an international membership of about 1,000 drawn mostly from Australian companies with business interests in Europe and from a wide range of European companies with reciprocal interest in Australia. Banking, insurance, finance, manufacturing and service industries are well represented, as are smaller enterprises.

ABIE is an apolitical organisation whose aspirations lie solely in providing the means for all interested in bilateral trade and investments between Europe and Australia to establish contact with similarly dedicated colleagues.

In 1988, ABIE expanded its presence in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and other European countries. Today, a third of its European members are businesses operating in Australia, a proof of increasing interest from the part of the European Community and increasing activity of European businesses in Australia.

In Australia, ABIE was established to bring Australian and European businesses together to maximise business contacts and opportunities on a global basis. ABIE in Australia provides a valuable forum for the exchange of business experience and information from which Australian business and European business operating in Australia can benefit.

ABIE Russia was founded in May 2009 and is run by a Committee. ABIE hosts a range of events designed to keep members up-to-date with business, political, sports and cultural developments occurring in Australia. It also runs a social programme to facilitate networking. ABIE hosts breakfast meetings, seminars and social gatherings and organises events and exhibitions related to Australian art and culture.

ABIE is an organisation of individual and corporate members, and we work closely with major Australian companies in Europe and with Australian Government Offices.

We welcome new members who are interested in maintaining an active link to Australia.