Treasurer launches international investor roadshow

Treasurer Curtis Pitt today launched an international investor roadshow where he will meet with some of Queensland’s major economic partners.

The Treasurer will be joined by senior executives from Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC), the state’s central financing authority.

The roadshow will visit major financial centres Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, London and New York.

“Since its establishment, QTC has conducted regular programs to meet with institutional investors in both domestic and offshore markets,” Mr Pitt said.

“These programs are crucial to Queensland’s financing, trade and investment relationships.

“We’ll be informing international financial markets about our recent State Budget, including our Debt Action Plan.

“Both are critical to maintain Queensland’s creditworthiness.

“Our projected $1.2 billion budget surplus for 2015-16 and our responsible budget initiatives have already delivered a boost to business and consumer confidence in Queensland.

“I’m confident that international investors and financiers will be equally impressed by our budget and its focus on growth and innovation.”

As part of the roadshow, Mr Pit will meet with the UK’s head of Social Benefit Bonds, so that he can take learnings back for Queensland’s own bonds program.

Coinciding with the roadshow, Trade and Investment Queensland will host business forums in Seoul, Hong Kong and London.

“These forums will target businesses looking to invest in Queensland or expand their existing interests in the State,” Mr Pitt said.

“They’ll be able to hear about our market-led proposals and the Government's investment attraction initiatives, including the $180 million Advance Queensland strategy for growing the knowledge-intensive jobs of the future.”

QTC Chief Executive Philip Noble said the tour was a valuable opportunity for the Treasurer to meet with QTC’s domestic and global investors.

“This tour will highlight the credit quality of Queensland and our appeal as an investment destination,” he said.

“Approximately 40 per cent of Queensland’s investors are based offshore, and have large holdings of QTC bonds.

“These meetings will provide the opportunity for the Treasurer to present the fiscal and economic plan for Queensland, while articulating the Government’s plans to drive the economic prosperity for the State.”

QTC’s wholesale global investors include central banks, major international banks, finance, superannuation and investment corporations and other sovereign investors.

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548