Trade Ministers invited to join athletes for Commonwealth Games

LONDON: Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has today invited Commonwealth Trade Ministers to join their nations’ elite athletes in Queensland for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The invitation was made at the launch of Trade 2018 in London.

“I am fully focused on driving economic opportunities for our state,” the Premier said.

“My government is ensuring we maximise the leverage of our investment in the once in a generation opportunity that the Commonwealth Games represents.

“This is why I have invited these Ministers to the Gold Coast to see first-hand what we have to offer and to enable Queensland’s voice to be heard at a crucial time in the conversation about global trade.

“In the last 12 months, shock waves of discontent have rumbled through nations and alliances around the world at a level unprecedented in times of peace.

“In that environment, the Commonwealth provides stability, confidence and endurance to its members and the people of its states.

“The Commonwealth has always been regarded as the rich legacy of our shared history. Now, more than ever, it presents an intriguing opportunity for the future.

“The world’s spotlight will be on the Gold Coast for 11 days in April and I want to ensure we capitalise on this moment to showcase Queensland to the world.

The Premier joined with City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate to launch Trade 2018, the GC2018 trade and investment program, to an international audience of key government, business and community leaders in London.

“During the Games, we will have some of the world’s foreign Ministers and trade representatives here in Queensland,” the Premier said.

“Trade 2018 will aim to leverage opportunities arising from the Games in priority Commonwealth markets.”

“Over the coming year we will continue to showcase the Gold Coast and Queensland with the aim of attracting additional economic benefits as a result of the Games, in addition to facilitating export growth opportunities,” the Premier said.

Cr Tate said the Gold Coast would become a magnet for international visitors before, during and long after GC2018.

“A program of trade and investment events aimed at connecting international business and government visitors with local industry partners will be held throughout the Games,” Cr Tate said.

“It is my hope the promise of a world-class event such as GC2018 encourages our friends from around the Commonwealth to discover the Gold Coast and Queensland in April 2018.”

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will run from 4 - 15 April 2018.

For more information on the Games visit www.gc2018.com.

Media Contact: Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875