Minister to put Queensland business front and centre on world stage in London

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick has jetted to London to attend the Commonwealth Business Forum convened by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.

The CBF runs in conjunction with the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

2018 marks the 11th CBF, convening 800 senior business leaders and Heads of Government. Queensland is the only Australian state to have representation at CBF, with Minister Dick representing the state.

"Queensland is open for business and ready to capitalise on our high profile fresh off the back of hosting a successful Commonwealth Games at the Gold Coast," he said.

"We are committed to building on Queensland’s connections with business and industry partners across the Commonwealth following Trade 2018, which was an unprecedented networking program for business and government leaders and investors held in conjunction with the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

"Trade 2018 marked an historic change in the way host cities and regions can maximise the economic potential of the Commonwealth Games and serves as a model for future major events, highlighting the value of the long-standing Commonwealth institution as a vehicle for more than sport.

"Having Queensland representation at the Commonwealth Business Forum provides an invaluable chance to explore how we as a state can utilise the connections made throughout Trade 2018 to develop and deliver opportunities for international trade and investment deals."

Minister Dick will participate in Commonwealth Business Forum sessions on a range of issues including the global economic outlook, the digital economy, technology for trade facilitation, 21st century healthcare, the relevance of cities over countries and converting innovative ideas into profitable enterprises.

The Minister will also address two sessions, including a session on the importance of cities and states in conducting and driving trade, as well as the final plenary session in which he will speak to all 800 delegates about the success of the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The Commonwealth contains 53 countries, covers a quarter of the globe’s landmass and contains a quarter of the world’s people.

Around 2.4 billion people live in the Commonwealth, 60 per cent of whom will be under 30 by 2020. The Commonwealth’s combined Gross National Income of $10.7 trillion is also expected to rise to $14 trillion by 2020.

"We know the value of intra-Commonwealth trade is predicted to be $US1 trillion by 2020, and that the Commonwealth Advantage makes it an estimated 19 per cent cheaper to do business in Commonwealth countries, so we want Queensland to reap the economic benefits of that lucrative trade," he said.

"During the Games we staged more than 30 forums and business networking sessions and hosted around 65 investors and SMEs from the UK.

"These CBF sessions will continue our trade and investment offensive by telling Queensland’s story and explaining how our economic and industry incentives can benefit Commonwealth and UK businesses, grow our economy and create the jobs of the future."

ENDS

Media contact: Anika Hume 0447 320 039