Queensland North America Trade and Investment office opens

Houston: Queensland businesses will experience a boost in trade with the US, after the opening of the Queensland Government’s dedicated North America Trade and Investment office in Houston.

Premier Campbell Newman officially opened the office and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Governor of Texas Rick Perry to formalise a Sister State Agreement.

“The opening of this office demonstrates the LNP Government’s commitment to further developing Queensland’s business links with the United States,” Mr Newman said.

“The LNP Government is unashamedly about jobs and showing that Queensland is open for business on the world stage.

“We have taken the shackles off Trade and Investment Queensland by making it a statutory authority, where it was shackled by departmental red tape under Labor.

“This new office is the beginning of a new era for the state’s business relationship with the US, and will bolster our trade and investment ties with this important region.

“In the 2012-13 financial year merchandise trade between Queensland and the US was valued at $6.4 billion.”

Mr Newman said the Memorandum of Understanding would formalise the close relationship between Queensland and Texas.

“Texas shares many similarities with Queensland’s four pillar economy of resources agriculture, tourism and construction industries – so the opportunities for increased trade are enormous,” he said.

“Houston serves as an ideal gateway to the rest of the United States, as well as Canada and Mexico.

“I have tasked the North America office to work with industries and governments from across the US to deliver even more for Queensland, securing our international ties and growing our economy.”

The Premier is currently leading a group of Queensland companies on a trade mission to promote the State’s industries in Los Angeles, New York and Houston.

[ENDS] 13 March 2014

Contact: Premier’s Office 3719 7000