Published Monday, 21 July, 2008 at 04:03 PM

Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel

New advisory group to provide feedback on Indonesia markets

A new advisory group has been established to provide the Queensland government with high-level industry advice on Indonesian export markets.

Minister for Trade John Mickel said that the Indonesia-Queensland Advisory Group (IQAG) would be made up of prominent Queensland business people with significant industry and commercial interests in Indonesia, and would help to promote Queensland exports to the market.

“Indonesia is a major export market for Queensland and the largest export destination for our goods in the ASEAN region,” Mr Mickel said.

“In 2006/07 merchandise exports from Queensland were valued at $825 million, ranking Indonesia the tenth largest export destination for Queensland goods.

“The South East Asian region is undergoing dynamic change with the development of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free Trade Agreement and moves towards a single market and production hub similar to the European Union for the region by 2015.

“Recognising these changes, the establishment of this advisory group will help me, and will help Trade Queensland to effectively engage with business leaders to enhance Queensland trade linkages with this important market,” Mr Mickel said.

“The IQAG will provide me with advice on trade and investment issues and opportunities in Indonesia from their own perspective, including information on Queensland business activities in Indonesia and current trade barriers, their impacts and solutions.”

“The Advisory Group will meet quarterly and will also advise me on how to advance the Sister-State Agreement between Queensland and Central Java and on how the agreement can further contribute to strengthening business relations between our States.

“Combined with the high-level connections of our Special Representative to Indonesia, Bob Quinn, I am certain we will continue to grow and develop more trade and investment opportunities,” Mr Mickel said.

The members of the Indonesia-Queensland Advisory Group are:
• Mr Greg Vickery, Partner and Brisbane Chairman of Deacons and National Chairman for Red Cross Australia
• Mr Raymond Wilson, Executive General Manager for Infrastructure and Corporate Services, Thiess
• Mr David Harland, Director FINH and Chairman of the Queensland Chapter of the Australia Indonesia Business Council
• Mr Richard Haire, CEO of Queensland Cotton
• Mr John Pollock, Acting CEO of Queensland Sugar

Minister’s office: John Smith 3237 1944 or Nathan Moir 3235 4060

July 24, 2008