Ambassador for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Helen Stylianou as Australia’s next Ambassador for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

APEC plays a vital role in facilitating economic cooperation and growth in our region.

Over 70 per cent of Australia’s trade in goods and services are with other APEC member economies, including the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea.

Australia works closely with APEC members to promote economic reforms and advocate for trade and investment liberalisation to support open and transparent markets. Through APEC, Australia drives reforms that foster innovation and the economic empowerment of women and indigenous communities.

Australia’s current focus will include initiatives to ensure the flow of vaccines and essential goods and services, re-building supply chains, advancing APEC’s digital agenda and strengthening the resilience of our region against future economic shocks.

Ms Stylianou will advance Australia’s APEC agenda to ensure the region is well placed to respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and to support economic recovery.

Ms Stylianou is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and is currently First Assistant Secretary, Trade, Investment and Business Engagement Division. She has previously served overseas in Brussels, Geneva and Vienna.

Ms Stylianou speaks French, German and Italian and holds a Master of Arts from Monash University; and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne.