Premier leads Queensland’s largest trade mission to China

• The Premier will lead the largest trade mission in Queensland’s history to China. 
• 100 industry representatives will join the delegation from the education, business, resources, agriculture and tourism sectors.
• China is Queensland’s largest goods export market, valued at $23.7 billion.  
• The mission seeks to strengthen confidence in trade between Queensland and China, as trade restrictions ease and stabilise.

Queensland’s largest ever trade missions will next week showcase our state’s exporters to China and the world.

The Premier on Monday will lead a 5-day mission to Shanghai and Beijing, alongside over 100 delegates from the education, business, agriculture, trade and tourism sectors.

As part of the mission, the Premier will seek to strengthen Queensland’s trade relationship with China – supported by the states long-running Sister State Agreement with Shanghai and existing trade and investment partnerships.

The Premier will also open the Queensland Pavilion at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai where 73 delegates representing 28 Queensland companies will promote their products.

As one of the world’s largest trade shows, CIIE attracts more than 400,000 people and exhibitors from 100 countries.  

Queensland products being exhibited include premium beef, seafood, horticulture, wine and beverages, processed food and health and wellness products.

China is Queensland's largest goods export market for the 12 months to September 2023, valued at $23.7 billion.

Other highlights of the mission include decarbonisation investment and education roundtables, witnessing the signing of a number of MOUs between Queensland companies and their China-based partners.

The Premier’s mission follows visits from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Western Australia Roger Cook and Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas.

Quotes attributed to the Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk:

“This will be my fourth mission to China and comes at a pivotal time in Australia’s history with the nation.

“Trade restrictions are easing, and international visitors have begun arriving on our shores for the first time since 2020, as China rises to be Queensland’s top export market.

“Our state has a longstanding relationship with China that we want to see strengthen as confidence in trade and travel return.

“That is why I am leading the largest ever trade mission in our state’s history to promote better outcomes for Queensland – for our farmers, universities and VET colleges, tourism operators and business sector.

“This will be a valuable opportunity to advocate for Queensland in one of the largest markets in the world and explore new ways we can work together in the future.”

Quotes attributable to Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan:

“Before the pandemic China dominated Queensland’s international tourism market, and we know it will again, with Chinese travellers forecast to pump nearly $3b-a-year into the state’s economy by 2032.

“The Queensland Government’s support for aviation attraction is turbo-charging the Chinese visitor market, and already we have seen the return of China Eastern and China Southern back to Queensland bringing more than 459,000 inbound seats and more than $755 million for the economy over the next three years.

“On top of that, we are launching Queensland’s ‘Beautiful Way To Be’ campaign in a huge way and we’re confident that once again we will see China atop the podium as Queensland’s number one tourism market.”

Quotes attributable to Vice-Chancellor, The University of Queensland, Professor Deborah Terry AO:

 “The University collaborates with Chinese universities and industry partners on globally significant research – from the production of low-emission iron and steel to the development of novel treatments for macular degeneration.

“We also have a healthy exchange of expertise through our alumni community.

“One of the best examples is that of Dr Xiaoyi Sun and her late husband Dr Jian Zhou who worked alongside Professor Ian Frazer on the development of the HPV vaccine.”

Quotes attributable to Meat and Livestock Australia Managing Director Jason Strong:

“Showcasing the very best of Queensland’s beef is a priority for MLA and a perfect example of this was the recent Aussie Beef Mates partnership with Trade and Investment Queensland. 

"Through the Aussie Beef Mates program, international chefs and food experts came to Queensland and gained deep insights into Australian beef production, empowering them to share this great story with their global networks. 

"For the chefs that attended, there was no better way for them to embrace the essence of the Australian beef industry than by immersing themselves in the company of passionate Queensland producers and seeing firsthand the care and commitment that goes into producing this world-renowned beef."

Further information:

• China is Queensland's largest goods export market for the 12 months to September 2023, valued at $23.7 billion.
• In 2022–23, Queensland's top goods export commodities to China were metalliferous ores ($2.3 billion), non-ferrous metals ($1.6 billion), coal ($1.5 billion) and cereals ($1.1 billion). 
• China is a top 10 investor in Australia and is a significant investor in Queensland. Major sectors of investment include energy and mining, agriculture, finance, and tourism infrastructure.  
• In 2022, China was Australia’s eighth largest foreign direct investor, with four per cent of the total, valued at $44.8 billion.
• China is Queensland’s largest source of international student enrolments and a key market for international education providers and industry.
• Queensland's global business agency, Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) has five offices in greater China, in Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

ENDS

Emilia Hutchinson - 0437 060 435