Published Thursday, 30 August, 2007 at 02:00 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
QUEENSLAND AND CENTRAL JAVA HAVE REAFFIRMED THEIR SISTER STATE RELATIONSHIP
Queensland and Central Java today reaffirmed their long standing Sister State relationship when they jointly signed a new Memorandum of Understanding that will extend the relationship for another five years.
Premier Peter Beattie said the agreement covered the specific areas of agribusiness and food, urban and regional development, road and transport infrastructure, trade and investment, education and training and tourism industry development.
“The Memorandum of Understanding sets out a comprehensive agenda that is achievable in the five-year time frame,” Mr Beattie said.
“Indonesia is an important trading partner for Queensland. In 2005 - 06 our total exports to Indonesia were worth $807.6 million dollars, or 2.3 per cent of Queensland total merchandise exports
“The Sister State relationship, which was first signed in September 1991, provides a strong basis for expanding the trade relationship.
“The agreement has also helped foster close ties between Queensland institutions and organisations and their counterparts in Central Java.
“One excellent example is the Health Professionals Exchange Program between the Orders of the Sisters of Mercy in Queensland and the Provincial Health Office in Java. It resulted in the ongoing exchange of doctors and nurses between the Brisbane Mater Hospital and the Dr Kariandi Hospital in Semarang.
“When an earthquake struck Central Java last year Queensland responded with a Livelihood Sustainability Project in four communities which helped about 1000 people get back on their feet financially.
“Indonesia remains an important education market for Queensland and the new Memorandum of Understanding aims to facilitate intensive English language courses for teachers from Central Java.
“There are also a number of university research projects that have been developed as a direct result of the Sister State agreement,” Mr Beattie said.
The new memorandum was signed by Mr Beattie and the Vice-Governor of Central Java, Mr H. Ali Mufiz at Parliament House today.
Media contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500
30 August 2007
Premier Peter Beattie said the agreement covered the specific areas of agribusiness and food, urban and regional development, road and transport infrastructure, trade and investment, education and training and tourism industry development.
“The Memorandum of Understanding sets out a comprehensive agenda that is achievable in the five-year time frame,” Mr Beattie said.
“Indonesia is an important trading partner for Queensland. In 2005 - 06 our total exports to Indonesia were worth $807.6 million dollars, or 2.3 per cent of Queensland total merchandise exports
“The Sister State relationship, which was first signed in September 1991, provides a strong basis for expanding the trade relationship.
“The agreement has also helped foster close ties between Queensland institutions and organisations and their counterparts in Central Java.
“One excellent example is the Health Professionals Exchange Program between the Orders of the Sisters of Mercy in Queensland and the Provincial Health Office in Java. It resulted in the ongoing exchange of doctors and nurses between the Brisbane Mater Hospital and the Dr Kariandi Hospital in Semarang.
“When an earthquake struck Central Java last year Queensland responded with a Livelihood Sustainability Project in four communities which helped about 1000 people get back on their feet financially.
“Indonesia remains an important education market for Queensland and the new Memorandum of Understanding aims to facilitate intensive English language courses for teachers from Central Java.
“There are also a number of university research projects that have been developed as a direct result of the Sister State agreement,” Mr Beattie said.
The new memorandum was signed by Mr Beattie and the Vice-Governor of Central Java, Mr H. Ali Mufiz at Parliament House today.
Media contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500
30 August 2007