Special members’ offer: QANTAS DISCOUNT

Thanks to AFBA Corporate Member QANTAS, AFBA members and up to three immediate family members are now eligible for 15 per cent off base published fares, or 10 per cent off base Q deal and Sale fares (excluding taxes, fees and carrier charges)*.

All you have to do is enter the Promotional code below when booking your next Qantas operated flight from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Australia, New Zealand or the South Pacific Islands (excluding
Nouméa) for the discount to be applied.

Terms and conditions apply. Valid for bookings made between 10 March 2025 and 10 March 2026*.

Make your booking at https://www.qantas.com/

Email AFBA Manager Penelope for discount code at: contact@australiafranceba.org

14th World Chambers Congress to be held in Melbourne 2-4 Sep 2025

The State of Victoria’s European Trade and Investment office is pleased to invite you to Melbourne from 2 to 4 September 2025 for the 14th World Chambers Congress (14WCC), a global forum bringing together 2,000 international delegates to tackle the most pressing challenges facing businesses, governments, and chambers worldwide.

Co-organised by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the World Chambers Federation, and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this year’s Congress is designed to be more collaborative and action-oriented than ever.

With the theme “Business, Chambers, Government: Partners for Prosperity,” the program will focus on shared global challenges, including:

  • Skills shortages and workforce development
  • Housing crises and infrastructure solutions
  • The global energy transition
  • Artificial intelligence and cyber security
  • Geopolitical relations and economic resilience
  • Gender equality and inclusive growth

Why Attend?

  • Connect with business, chamber, and government leaders from over 100 countries
  • Explore investment, trade, and innovation opportunities in Victoria
  • Gain insights from top experts through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops
  • Participate in B2B meetings and networking events
  • Access exclusive Victorian Government-led programs, including site visits to leading industry hubs

Where? Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
When? 2–4 September 2025

Registrations are open now. Secure your place: wcc.iccwbo.org

Join us in Melbourne and be part of the conversation shaping the future of global business.

If you have any question, feel free to reach out to leonore.marteville@global.vic.gov.au

VULCAN ENERGY RESOURCES selected as Strategic Project under the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA)

AFBA Corporate Member Vulcan Energy Resources has achieved a significant milestone with its integrated lithium project being designated as a Strategic Project under the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). This prestigious recognition underscores the project’s vital role in bolstering Europe’s supply of essential raw materials, particularly lithium, which is crucial for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

Vulcan’s Zero Carbon Lithium™ Project, situated in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley, employs an innovative approach by harnessing geothermal energy to extract lithium from underground brine reservoirs. This method not only yields battery-grade lithium hydroxide but also generates renewable energy, ensuring a sustainable and carbon-neutral production process.

The EU’s acknowledgment of Vulcan’s project as a Strategic Project amplifies momentum toward establishing Europe’s first fully domestic lithium production facility for EV batteries. This development is pivotal in reducing the continent’s reliance on imported lithium, thereby enhancing energy security and supporting the EU’s ambitious goal of transitioning to 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035.

Vulcan has already made significant strides, including producing Europe’s first sustainable lithium hydroxide at its Central Lithium Electrolysis Optimization Plant (CLEOP) in Frankfurt. This achievement marks a critical step toward a fully integrated, sustainable lithium supply chain within Europe.

Furthermore, Vulcan has secured lithium and geothermal energy licenses in France’s Alsace region, expanding its operations and reinforcing its commitment to supporting Europe’s EV transition and decarbonising local industries.

The Strategic Project designation under the CRMA not only validates Vulcan’s innovative approach but also positions Europe at the forefront of sustainable lithium production, essential for the burgeoning EV market and the continent’s broader climate objectives.

Vulcan Energy Resources is an Australian-based company, listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: VUL). While its flagship Zero Carbon Lithium™ project is located in Germany’s Upper Rhine Valley, the company was founded in Australia and maintains its corporate headquarters there.

The company was established by Dr. Francis Wedin, an Australian geologist and entrepreneur, and it has strong Australian ties in terms of its leadership, technical expertise, and investor base. Vulcan Energy leverages Australian innovation in the mining and resources sector to develop its sustainable lithium extraction technology, aimed at supporting Europe’s electric vehicle (EV) battery industry.

Learn more about Vulcan Energy Resources at their website.

New Business Member: DROO Architects

AFBA is delighted to welcome DROO / Da Costa Mahindroo Architects, an award-winning architectural firm, as a Business Member.

DROO is an awarding-winning practice founded by Amrita Mahindroo and Michel Da Costa Goncalves. Their work spans Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and South East Asia with a strong research focus on cities, and their projects develop and and promote architectural creativity to serve different contexts and communities.

Originally from Australia, Amrita Mahindroo is an Architect, urbanist and co-founded the practice with Michel Da Costa Goncalves. Amrita is a recipient of the prestigious 40under40 award for Architecture and Urban Design from the European Commission for Architecture. Michel previously worked with Shigeru Ban in Paris, as project manager for the new Pompidou Centre.

With offices in Paris, Melbourne and London, DROO engages with social and climatic sustainability through the notion of time by bridging the dilemma between the urgency imposed by today’s deregulations and the legacy of long-lasting projects to create a durable cultural contribution.

We look forward to collaborating with DROO to develop further links between Australia and Europe’s architectural landscape.

Learn more about DROO

New Business Member: ARTELIA

We are delighted to announce that Artelia has joined AFBA as a Business Member.

ARTELIA is a global, multidisciplinary consultancy specialising in engineering, project management, and sustainable development. Their expertise and commitment to innovation make them a fantastic addition to our dynamic network of businesses strengthening ties between Australia and France.

Artelia created a subsidiary in Australia in 2020 in line with its growth strategy. Artelia brings to the Pacific region more than 30 years of experience and recognised expertise serving key accounts in the engineering, construction and industrial markets.

We look forward to collaborating with ARTELIA and supporting their journey within the AFBA community.

Learn more about Artelia at their website.

Welcome to our new Business member Pivot&Co

Welcome to our new Corporate member RATP Dev

Welcome to our new Business member ArtimIS

Welcome to our new Corporate member Vulcan Energy

Encompass Corporation Whitepaper