Trade specialists to help Toowoomba region boost exports

An export seminar will be held next week in Toowoomba 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 Toowoomba region to meet State Government trade specialists at the seminars and find out more about export opportunities in China and Indonesia,’’ Ms Bligh said.

Member for Toowoomba North and Minister for Natural Resources and Water Kerry Shine urged Toowoomba businesses to find out how they can maximise their potential by attending the export seminar at the Toowoomba State Development Centre.

On Tuesday, October 10, Queensland Government Trade and Investment Office Commissioner in Shanghai, Zijian Zhang, will share his first-hand market insights on China at the seminar.

Mr Zhang said China, which is Queensland’s fourth largest market, is now an easier place for SmartState companies to do business.

"Queensland’s exports to the People’s Republic of China topped $2.7 billion in 2005-2006 and China’s continued regulatory reform and meteoric economic rise is generating a raft of export opportunities for Queensland businesses.

"These include mining services and equipment, planning and design, water treatment, education and training services as well as beef, horticulture, marine and infrastructure projects in the lead up to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games,’’ Mr Zhang 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 goods export destination in 2005-2006.

Queensland currently exports $808 million worth of goods to Indonesia.

Mr Shine said the 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,” he 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 to $35.4 billion, over the previous year.

The seminar is free and will be held at the Toowoomba State Development Centre, Downs Business Centre, 4 Little St, Toowoomba, from 10.30am to12pm on Tuesday, October 10.

Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office – 3224 6900