Queensland jobs and businesses to benefit from trade mission

Jobs and export opportunities in industries from agriculture to biomedical devices, autonomous technology and screen productions stand to reap rewards from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s trade mission to Japan and the United States.

The Premier flew out this morning for the ten-day mission that will develop opportunities in Tokyo, Boston and Los Angeles.

“Queensland is undoubtedly an export-oriented economy,” the Premier said.

“Last year we saw exports totalling almost $70 billion - that accounted for almost one in every four of Australia’s export dollars.

“Internationally we are punching above our weight, and this mission will ensures that dominance continues.”

In Tokyo the Premier will visit a new global education facility, where Queensland is the sole international partner in a program that immerses students entirely in an English language learning environment.

The Queensland school curriculum will be taught in Japan by Queensland teachers.

The Premier will also look to progress renewable energy partnerships at the University of Tokyo, which is working on new technologies with QUT.

In Boston the Premier will attend BIO2018, the world’s largest innovation conference, on the 20^th anniversary of Queensland’s first participation in this global event.

“Queensland’s track record at BIO is a display of sustained excellence, the Premier said.

“It has resulted in partnerships such as the University of Queensland Emory Drug Discovery Initiative, the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Partnering Office at the Queensland University of Technology and the partnership between Siemens Healthcare and the Translational Research Institute.

“This year, we will have well over 100 delegates attending from Queensland as a testament to the importance of this event to our state’s future economic development.

“We’ll also have a number of regional mayors who share my enthusiasm for the jobs and opportunities that BIO can bring to their communities.”

The Premier will also meet the proponents behind a proposed battery factory in Queensland, further entrenching Queensland’s position as a leader in renewable energy.

And following the Federal Government’s decision to end the uncertainty around its support for Queensland’s film industry, the Premier will have talks with screen producers in Los Angeles, as well as an associated industry looking to establish a regional headquarters in Queensland that could bring with it more than 1,000 jobs.

Media Contact: Susan McGrady 0488 996 667