New trade strategy to deliver stronger Latin America ties and drive investment

• Mining, energy, agriculture and education at the heart of Queensland-Latin America Trade and Investment Strategy 2026-28. 
• New strategy aims to deliver more trade and investment outcomes with South and Central America partners.
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering more jobs and better services through a stronger economy after Labor’s decade of decline left Queensland’s international reputation in tatters and investment dwindling.  

The Crisafulli Government is delivering stronger ties and a clear direction to support Queenslanders looking to do business with Latin America by launching the Queensland–Latin America Trade and Investment Strategy 2026-28. 

The new strategy has identified mining, energy, agriculture and education as potential growth areas in the trade relationship between the regions, with Queensland’s expertise in remote mining operations, one of the keys to unlocking new opportunities. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering more jobs and better services through a stronger economy, with its open for business approach securing more investment and trade for Queensland.  

Labor’s decade of decline damaged Queensland’s international reputation, as anti-mining policies stalled investment and missed opportunities across the economy cost jobs across the State. 

The Crisafulli Government has made clear its ambition for Queensland to be a world leader in delivering critical minerals, and the new trade strategy will seek to harness Latin America’s mining strengths to deliver benefits in our own industry. 

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said her upcoming trade mission to several Latin American markets would be an opportunity to put words into action. 

“Our Government is unashamedly open for business and focused on securing investment for our State, to deliver more jobs and better services through a stronger economy to benefit all Queenslanders,” Minister Bates said.  

“Already under the Crisafulli Government, Queensland’s relationship with Latin America is strengthened – this strategy will ensure these partnerships continue to grow and deliver greater outcomes for both regions.  

“We share a lot of the same strengths and goals as our friends in Latin America, so one of the great outcomes from deepening our ties will be the knowledge and support we’re able to give one another. 

“Their region has tremendous critical mineral resources, which creates an opportunity for Queensland’s mining equipment, technology and services sector to help bolster Latin American supply chains. 

“The former Labor Government tarnished many of our trade relationships by mishandling mining exports, but the Crisafulli Government will use Queensland’s mining expertise to strengthen the State’s international standing. 

“Our international education sector is another key area for growth as we look to expand on the almost 15,000 Latin Americans currently studying in Queensland. 

“Opportunities also exist for our agriculture and energy sectors, with Queensland having world-class products and services available across both.  

“This strategy demonstrates the importance our government places on the relationship with the region and to making sure the whole of our State can reap the benefits of our trade successes.”  

The strategy is available here. 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Joe Hill, 0408 962 453  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

• Queensland’s goods exports to Latin America grew strongly in 2025–26, increasing by 20.5% to $1.5 billion. 

• Coal is Queensland’s largest goods export to Latin America, valued at $1.1 billion in 2025–26. 

• Queensland is Australia's leading exporter to Chile and accounted for 39.1% of Australia's goods exports to Chile, with exports increasing 224.0% to $169.9 million in 2025-26. 

• Queensland exports to Colombia continue to grow strongly with exports increasing 29.5% to $23.9 million, with machinery and transport equipment the State's largest export.  

• Queensland exports to Peru increased 36.2% to $23.5 million, with machinery and transport equipment accounting for more than 80% of exports.