New North America Commissioner to drive trade and investment for Queensland

An innovative Australian business leader working in the world’s tech epicentre has been named as Queensland’s new Trade and Investment Commissioner for North America.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Viki Forrest would bring extensive experience from her time in Silicon Valley and beyond to the role of Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner for North America.

“North America is a critical market for Queensland and the Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner must have the ability to profile the state, have strong networks and the ability to understand and execute the Government’s strategy on behalf of all Queenslanders,” the Premier said.

“I have every confidence that Ms Forrest has that ability and believe her appointment is a coup for Queensland, in what is a highly competitive market.”

Ms Forrest replaces David Camerlengo, who served as Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner for North America from 2013 to 2018.

From her base in California, Ms Forrest has long-standing, deep networks within the technology and venture capital communities in North America through her work with Australian technology companies to commercialise their innovations in the market.

She was previously Chief Executive Officer of ANZA Technology Network, or ANZATech, and has more than 20 years of international experience spanning across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the United States.

Ms Forrest started in the role this week by attending the Grow With Google event launch and workshops in Brisbane along with the innovation and technology festival, QODE, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

North America is Queensland’s fifth largest two-way goods trade partner valued at $8.7 billion in 2018 and collectively our third largest source of international visitors.

The Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner North America is one of 12 commissioners in the government’s international network managed by its global business agency, Trade and Investment Queensland.

Further information on the global reach of Trade and Investment Queensland and linking with the North America office is available from www.tiq.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

Media contact:

Zoe Russell - 0439 982 347