The Investment Summit will be held at Darwin Convention Centre from 15-17 July.

It is being hosted by the Darwin Major Business Group, which is made up of 19 of the largest companies operating in the Northern Territory, in partnership with the Northern Territory Government.

The exclusive, invitation-only event is expected to attract investors and key representatives from a vast range of industries, including oil, gas, mining, tourism and hospitality, agriculture, IT and Defence infrastructure spending.

The Territory will be showcased as a hub of economic significance, and as a dynamic place of innovation and trailblazing opportunity that is close to the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Investors, business leaders, government decision-makers, heads of mission from key markets, peak bodies and stakeholders will be able to assess a swag of projects, such as the onshore gas Beetaloo sub-basin; a new maritime repairs and maintenance industry; and the Middle Arm Precinct, set to emerge as a globally competitive industrial hub.

Delegates will take part in tours with prominent business and industry leaders to inspect investment opportunities followed by plenary presentations featuring keynote speakers and panelists who are driving innovation and investment across the region.

There will also be targeted meetings and networking opportunities for delegates.

Darwin Major Business Group chair Steve Margetic says the DMBG is proud to partner with the Territory Government and support strategic activities that benefit the economy of the Territory.

“Two of our 2025 priorities are a pipeline of investment dollars and shaping how investors, decision-makers and visitors see the Territory,” he says. “This summit is designed to progress both.

“We believe the Territory is on the cusp of exciting times and now is the time to act and take advantage of the opportunities.

“As Territory-based employers with deep local roots, the group understands what is
holding the NT back: a lack of sustained private investment and stagnant population growth.”

In early 2025, the group funded and released economic research outlining six key actions to shift the dial:

• Maintain an unwavering focus on growth
• Build a visible pipeline of investment
• Develop a sophisticated, 21st-century public service
• Actively shape how investors, decision-makers and visitors perceive the Territory
• Recalibrate lifestyle, livability and livelihoods
• Reclaim our cities and towns

“The truth is that up until early 2025 — and for some years before that — we hadn’t moved the dial on the economy or on many of the Territory’s pressing social challenges,” says Mr Margetic. “We’re beginning to see change through new policy and legislative initiatives, but there’s more to be done — not just by government, but by industry and business alike.

“Every Territorian has a role to play.”

Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill says the Territory is open for business with a focus on innovation, investment and partnerships.

“We’re out in the market spreading the word that the Northern Territory is a dynamic and forward-thinking region that presents a wealth of opportunities,” she says.

“With our strategic location and proximity to Asia, the Territory is poised to be a cornerstone of global digital connectivity.

“Reclaiming our position as Australia’s gateway to Asia reinforces our role in regional security and economic stability, paving the way for a secure, resilient and interconnected future.

“In addition, our natural strengths in mining and critical minerals, energy, agriculture, and tourism provide a hub for world-class partnerships and opportunities.

“This is an exciting time for the Territory as we strengthen international relationships and build on the growing foundations of our economy.”

The Territory Government is investing in world-class infrastructure and has a proven track record of delivering significant projects and innovative developments, such as the Alice Springs-to-Darwin railway, Charles Darwin University, the Tiger Brennan overpass, and the Waterfront residential, business and leisure precinct.

Economists say that there has never been a better time to invest in the NT, which is increasingly being recognised as a dynamic jurisdiction that is a great place to live, work, study and do business.

The Government’s Rebuilding the Economy Strategy 2025-2028, which details a plan for the Territory’s economic growth, was released recently.

It outlines five key priorities – to be the best place to do business; build a bigger, better workforce; deliver for Australia; unlock regional growth; and connect the Territory.

The Government has appointed the Territory Coordinator, who has broad powers to cut through red tape by consolidating regulatory processes for projects of economic significance.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro says there is no better way to promote the Territory than to bring potential investors to the NT so they can see the opportunities for themselves.

“I am focused on making sure that the rest of Australia and the world knows that we are open for business,” she says.

“We are strengthening the Territory’s role in national economic growth, energy security and defence, and ensuring investment confidence by cutting red tape and delivering regulatory reform.”

The Territory has demonstrated that it is a place of abundant opportunities, a place where Territorians make things happen.”

As Territorians like to say: “Why would you want to be anywhere else? TQ

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