Trade specialists to help Gold Coast region boost exports

Two export seminars will be held on the Gold Coast next week to help manufacturers and businesses expand their international sales base, Acting Premier Anna Bligh said today.

“During Export Week 2006 we are inviting business people in the Gold Coast region to meet State Government trade specialists at the seminars and find out more about export opportunities in European Union (EU) and India,’’ Ms Bligh said.

Member for Broadwater Peta-Kaye Croft and Member for Southport Peter Lawlor urged Gold Coast businesses to come and find out how they can maximise their export potential within India.

On Wednesday, October 11, from 3pm to 4pm, Bangalore-based Queensland Government Trade and Investment Commissioner for India, David Belham, will share his first-hand knowledge of how India’s fast-growing economy, which is growing at an annual rate of 8 per cent, is opening up as an exciting export market for Queensland companies.

Queensland exports to India, including mineral resources and aviation, almost topped $3 billion in 2005-06.

“Opportunities abound in aviation, mining services and equipment, tourism development and in India’s film and television industry in Bollywood,’’ Mr Belham said.

John Dawson, Commissioner of the Queensland Government Trade and Investment Office in London, will also be holding a seminar to share his expert knowledge of European Union export markets with businesses at a seminar, Wednesday, 11 October 2006 from 4pm to 5pm.

Mr Dawson said European markets tend to be highly competitive “but they also offer rewarding prospects for Queensland exporters who can provide superior products and services,’’ he said.

Mr Dawson said seven European Union nations, including the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Belgium, were among Queensland’s top 20 export destinations, and goods exports to these countries including commodities, food and manufactured goods were worth about $5 billion in 2005-2006.

Ms Bligh said the export seminars are part of Queensland’s annual Export Week, which celebrates the important contribution Queensland export companies make to the local and national economy through job creation and increased prosperity in the community.

“A thriving export sector is critical to achieving my Government’s key Smart State goals including boosting economic development and creating jobs,” she said.

“We are aggressively pursuing export opportunities for Queensland businesses as well as investing in the expansion of our export capacity and capabilities.

“Our hard work is paying dividends. In 2005-06, Queensland’s overseas goods exports increased by 34.2 per cent, from $26.4 billion to $35.4 billion, over the previous year,’’ the Acting Premier said.

The seminars are free and will be held at Southport Yacht Club, Compass Room, Macarthur Parade, Main Beach, Gold Coast, on Wednesday, October 11; India from 3pm to 4pm, and European Union from 4pm to 5pm.

Media Contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 6900