Ai Group Chief Executive Innes Willox said it was an honour to represent Australian industry at White House celebrations for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese this week.
Yesterday, Mr Willox joined guests on the South Lawn as Mr Albanese received a ceremonious welcome to the tunes of a military band.
Last night, he attended a black tie state dinner hosted by US President Joe Biden to also honour Mr Albanese and, today, he attended a state luncheon, hosted by US Vice President Kamala Harris and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Discussions between the world leaders have focused on AUKUS, critical minerals, energy, innovation and technology exchange vital to the long-term success of Australian businesses at a time of significant challenge and opportunity.
Earlier this week, Mr Willox said: “The Prime Minister's US visit is an opportunity for greater integration for Australia in the US economy and supply chains while enhancing national security and decarbonisation goals.
"The visit is also an opportunity to advance the case for future integration of Australian capability and capacity into the supply chains for the development of future nuclear submarines to meet our national security needs as well the technological advances being worked through Pillar 2 of the agreement."
Mr Willox is in Washington DC with the Prime Minister and other business representatives as part of a four-day official visit to the US.
PM's US visit an opportunity for both greater integration and sovereign thinking
Wendy Larter is Communications Manager at the Australian Industry Group. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a reporter, features writer, contributor and sub-editor for newspapers and magazines including The Courier-Mail in Brisbane and Metro, the News of the World, The Times and Elle in the UK.
