Queensland tourism and trade promoted in Chengdu

Chengdu: Tourism and trade were top of the agenda when Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk met with Sichuan Provincial Governor Yin Li today.

During the meeting, the Premier and the Governor discussed the many commercial and cultural links that could be strengthened between China and Queensland using Chengdu and the Sichuan province as a key link.

“Much like Queensland, Sichuan and Chengdu have a relaxed outdoor lifestyle coupled with wonderful food and rich cultural experiences,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“During the meeting it became very clear that both Queensland and Sichuan see high value in developing stronger ties between our two markets including direct flights and cultural as well as innovation exchanges.

“Direct flights between Chengdu and Queensland also offer great potential for increased two-way traffic.

“Visitors from China would be attracted to our outdoor lifestyle, food and experiences like the Great Barrier Reef.

“Australian visitors would also be attracted to Chengdu’s relaxed lifestyle, cuisine and other key attractions such as seeing pandas first hand.

“Sichuan is also the fourth largest province in China in terms of population and their economy is worth $600 billion and I want Queensland to have better access to such terrific potential markets.”

Ms Palaszczuk said it was important to develop stronger relationships with large markets such as Sichuan.

“That's what these trade missions are about - opening up avenues for new investment in Queensland which in turn leads to jobs for Queenslanders,” she said.

Ms Palaszczuk is in China as part of the Australia Week in China delegation and will speak at a special agricultural lunch in Chengdu today and meet with local airlines to further promote Queensland before travelling to further engagements in Shanghai.