Gladstone export seminar targets South Korean market

An export seminar will be held in Gladstone next 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 Gladstone region to meet our State Government trade specialist and find out more about export opportunities in South Korea,’’ Ms Bligh said.

“Matthew Kang, our Trade and Investment Commissioner in Seoul, will be on hand at the export seminar on Tuesday, October 10, to give businesses an invaluable first-hand insight into South Korean export market.

"I urge Gladstone businesses to find out how they can maximise their potential in South Korea by attending the export seminar at the Gladstone State Development Centre.

"Businesses that come along to this seminar will also have the opportunity to find out more about the importance of a strong export sector and how critical it is to achieving strong economic growth, job creation and a high quality of life for all Queenslanders.

"One in five jobs depends on exports and in regional areas like Gladstone, exports play an even greater role in job creation with one in four jobs depending on exports,’’ Ms Bligh said.

Mr Kang said Queensland exported more than $4 billion worth of goods and products to South Korea in 2005/2006.

"With South Korea’s economy now growing strongly Korean consumers are spending again and new export opportunities are emerging in agribusiness, food and wine, education, biotechnology, ICT, manufacturing, and building materials,’’ Mr Kang said.

Ms Bligh said the export seminar is 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.

“Exporting accounts for one in four jobs in the regions, and helps create further job opportunities in their surrounding communities,’’ the Acting Premier said.

The export seminar is free and will be held at the Gladstone State Development Centre, The Old Gladstone Post Office, 33 Goondoon St, Gladstone, on Tuesday, October 10, from 11:00am to noon.

Media contact: Deputy Premier's Office 3224 6900