Some places feel familiar, even thousands of miles from home. For Utahns in Australia, that sense of shared character was unmistakable. A common language, similar legal systems and shared cultural values help build trust and move quickly from conversation to partnership.
That foundation matters, especially as Utah expands its role in the industries reshaping the global economy. Australia is a natural fit. It’s one of America’s most trusted allies, one of its most active investors and a country whose business culture aligns with our own. That makes it an ideal partner at a time when global investment and supply chain decisions carry higher stakes than ever.
Utah’s recent trade mission to New Zealand and Australia, led by Gov. Spencer Cox, landed in Sydney less than 24 hours after President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed an agreement focused on critical minerals and supply chain security, and Utah’s delegation was the only one from the U.S. at the major global mining conference held days later. State leaders and companies made a clear case for investment in Utah’s mineral assets. The timing underscored a deeper message: Utah is ready to partner on shared priorities with real capabilities and a reliable track record.
From energy and innovation to defense and data, Utah is already active in the sectors prioritized by the U.S.-Australia framework. Our companies have the technical capacity to support advanced materials development. Our research institutions — including the University of Utah — are building technologies with global application. And our policy environment rewards execution over rhetoric.
None of this happened by accident. Over the past decade, Utah has built a global reputation as a serious partner. The approach is pragmatic, long-term and focused on results. Trade missions help reinforce that reputation. They also help companies build trust in markets where relationships matter as much as technical fit.
That collaborative approach extended beyond the public sector. The Cynosure Group, a Salt Lake-based investment firm with substantial friends and investors in Australia, helped shape the trade mission’s agenda. Through decades of experience and deep relationships, Cynosure opened doors for high-level engagement, including with Washington H. Soul Pattinson (Soul Patts), a 120-year-old investment firm with deep industrial roots. Primarily known for its work in minerals and natural resources, Soul Patts is also invested in battery storage, remote power systems, data centers and mining tech. They expressed interest in Utah’s emerging sectors such as micro reactors and drone technology, recognizing something familiar: quiet ambition, strong fundamentals and a disciplined approach. They saw in Utah the same attributes they look for globally.
This alignment goes beyond minerals. It reflects a shared approach to the future of global competitiveness. Governments are now acting not just as regulators but also as co-investors. Supply chains are being redesigned with resilience and security in mind. Public capital is backing sectors that were once left entirely to the market. The regions that move early and build trust will shape the next era of trade and investment. Utah is doing both.
Australia’s superannuation system is one of the largest retirement fund systems in the world, managing more than $2.7 trillion USD in assets. These funds are actively seeking long-term opportunities in the United States, and regions like ours — with strong fundamentals and a clear path to execution — are well positioned to compete for that capital. Utah is one of only 16 states with a AAA bond rating from all three major credit agencies. This reflects our economic strength, fiscal responsibility and proactive governance.
What excites us most is pairing local innovation with strategic foreign investment. It’s one thing to secure capital. It’s another to attract investment that also helps solve critical issues like water scarcity, clean energy and sustainable growth. This is where Utah can move the needle in meaningful ways, expanding prosperity while contributing to global solutions.
The two-way investment relationship between the U.S. and Australia exceeds $1.8 trillion. With the new Critical Minerals Framework and rising demand for secure supply chains, that figure is likely to grow. Utah has a role to play in where and how that growth takes shape.
This work is supported by strong public-private alignment. The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and World Trade Center Utah have helped make these relationships possible and continue to support companies navigating international growth. Our strength lies in our presence: showing up, building trust and following through.
This presence wasn’t ceremonial. It was strategic. It signaled seriousness. And it showed that Utah is prepared not just to participate in the global economy but also to help lead it.