Envoys hit the road to boost trade ties

After weighing in on Australia's new foreign policy blueprint, the nation's top diplomats will be sent on excursions across the country to help them boost trade ties.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop delivered a pep talk to the 113 ambassadors, high commissioners and consuls general at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday as they gathered to discuss ideas for the foreign policy white paper.

For politicians turned diplomats Joe Hockey and Alexander Downer, the meeting was a return to their old stomping ground.

Work on the new strategy comes as the world grapples with Britain's divorce from the European Union, unprecedented humanitarian crises, conflict in the Middle East, and Donald Trump in the White House.

"The work of our diplomats overseas has never been more important," Ms Bishop said.

Australia can have more influence internationally than many appreciate.

"I encourage you all to think big and think creatively as to how we can use our influence to shape a world that serves Australia's national interest," Ms Bishop said.

She said rising protectionist sentiment and digital disruption made "economic diplomacy" more important than ever.

"We asked each one of our heads of mission to visit businesses around the country to promote investment and greater economic ties," Ms Bishop later told question time on Tuesday.

The ambassador to Sweden, Jonathan Kenna, is off to visit the Volvo truck factory in Queensland.

Nicholas Coppel, the head of mission in Myanmar, and some diplomats based in China will visit the Woodside gas plant at Karratha in Western Australia and meet with fisheries exporters in Queensland, Ms Bishop said.

The last foreign policy white paper was published under John Howard in 2003.

The new report is due to be released in September.