Trade specialists to help Sunshine Coast region boost exports

An export seminar will be held on the Sunshine Coast this week to help local 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 Sunshine Coast region to meet State Government trade specialists and find out more about export opportunities in South Korea and Indonesia,’’ Ms Bligh said.

“Matthew Kang, our Trade and Investment Commissioner in Seoul, will be on hand at the export seminar on Wednesday, October 11, to give businesses an invaluable first-hand insight into South Korean export and investment markets.

"I urge Sunshine Coast businesses to find out how they can maximise their potential in South Korea by attending the export seminar at the Sunshine Coast State Development Centre, ‘’ the Premier said.

Mr Kang said Queensland exported more than $4 billion worth of goods to South Korea in 2005-06.

"South Korea, Queensland's second largest export market, has a growing appetite for our traditional exports as well as new exports.

"Export opportunities are arising in a number of areas including biotechnology, building and construction, information and communication technology, textiles and clothing, dairy products, food and vegetables, seafood, and wine,’’ Mr Kang said.

Jakarta-based Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner, Robert Wardrobe, will also be present to share his expert knowledge of the Indonesian market with companies attending the seminar.

Mr Wardrobe said participants would have the opportunity to find out more about the Indonesian market, which was Queensland’s 10th largest export destination in 2005-2006. Queensland currently exports $808 million worth of goods to Indonesia.

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.

“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 export seminars are free and will be held at the Sunshine Coast State Development Centre, Level 2, CBD Centre, 12 Innovation Park Way, Birtinya, on Wednesday, October 11, from 8:45am to 10:30am.

Media Contact:

Deputy Premier’s Office – 3224 6900