Deputy Premier to promote Queensland investment opportunities on China trade mission

Promoting Queensland investment opportunities and the state’s international education and training industry will be top of the agenda for Deputy Premier and Trade and Investment Minister Jackie Trad’s trade mission to China and Hong Kong.

Ms Trad, who leaves for China today, will also officially open Trade and Investment Queensland’s (TIQ) new office in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province.

“China is our largest trading partner, our largest source of international students, our most valuable international tourism market and a growing source of investment,” Ms Trad said.

“Queensland sold more than $11 billion of goods to China in 2015-16 and as of July this year there are nearly 19,000 Chinese enrolments in Queensland education and training institutions.

“On my trip I will be focused on promoting opportunities for Chinese investors in Queensland as well as promoting our vibrant international education and training sector.

“I will also be officially opening our Chengdu TIQ office to strengthen Queensland’s ties in Western China particularly in tourism, agriculture, education and the resources sector.

“Chengdu is Western China's centre for business, technology, cultural and creative industries and international exchange, as well as an integrated transportation hub and having Queensland presence in the region will be critical in the years to come.”

In Shanghai, Ms Trad will represent Queensland at the invitation-only 9^th Global Conference on Health Promotion in Shanghai, organised by the World Health Organization and the Chinese Government.

“It is an honour to be representing Queensland at this important conference, which brings together about 750 political leaders, high-level government officials, academics, researchers and NGOs,” Ms Trad said.

“I believe Queensland can make a valuable contribution to the discussion about how great urban planning can deliver improved health outcomes and support healthy cities and communities.”

In Shanghai, Ms Trad will re-sign Queensland’s Sister-State relationship agreement with Shanghai, which was established in 1989 and will witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Queensland and the China Development Bank – the world’s largest development bank.

ENDS

Media contact: Anna Jabour 0429 890 942