Trade mission builds relationships to grow exports and local jobs

A Queensland trade mission to Hong Kong and Chongqing has exposed businesses from Proserpine and the Gulf of Carpentaria to significant opportunities.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner, who is leading the delegation, said businesses from the region were grabbing those opportunities with both hands at HOFEX, a major international trade event.

“We’ve got exhibitors here from right across Queensland, from out as far north as Townsville and south to Goondiwindi,” Mr Furner said.

“What people are asking for in Hong Kong is what we have on offer – clean, green safe produce.

“Considering Hong Kong imports 95% of its food Queensland is in prime position only eight or nine hours flight away.

“We are in the box seat making sure we are the winners here providing that food into Hong Kong.”

Proserpine-based VF Plus, which distributes fresh produce from more than 200 mostly Queensland farmers, and Mt Isa-based Australian Gulf Seafoods have participated in the trade mission.

Mr Furner said he expected the trade mission would help the 18 participating businesses to grow exports, and that meant more jobs in a stronger Queensland economy.

“The Palaszczuk Government has a proud record of creating more than 192,000 jobs and we are nowhere near done yet.

“That’s what Labor governments do. We create jobs. We back workers and back businesses to innovate and grow, and we forge the relationships in global markets to increase the opportunities for success.”

ENDS

Footage for download:

Minister Furner grabs: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ebojbd1hl0lhvff/Furner%20trade%20mission%20grabs.MOV?dl=0

Overlay footage: https://www.dropbox.com/s/wdwzaltk12pmbd6/Overlay%20-%20Taste%20of%20Queensland.mp4?dl=0

Media contact:           Ron Goodman            0427 781 920