Afternoon Reception in Support of Queensland’s International Trade and Investment Relationships

The Honourable Stephen Bredhauer, Chairman, Trade and Investment Queensland; Mr Eric Quevauvilliers, Dean of the Consular Corps of Queensland and fellow Members of the Consular Corps; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen. Kaye and I warmly welcome to Government House this morning a distinguished group of advocates and champions of Queensland’s international relationships and connections.

These international connections, from the highest government-to-government dealings to those at individual level, are of vital importance to our State’s economy, international profile and reputation – and therefore important to Queensland’s communities.   

Goods and services exports allow Queensland companies and institutions to access larger markets. Exports create substantial employment in our State. They encourage a two-way flow of innovative techniques and ideas.

Investment brings capital that supports economic activity and employment through the creation of productive assets in our State.

International cooperation in areas such as education, research, and the arts, expands Queensland’s knowledge economy and international reputation in fields ranging from medical breakthroughs to major art exhibitions.  

Kaye and I have experienced the workings of these important relationships firsthand. We have been fortunate in undertaking official travel to many of Queensland’s major markets including Japan, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, India, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and several European Countries including the United Kingdom and France.  

I take this opportunity to thank sincerely TIQ’s board, executive and staff for the excellent, focused programs that they have arranged for us. TIQ’s planning, attention to detail, professionalism, and warmth have resulted in successful visit programs that have advanced Queensland’s interests.

Please pass on our thanks and best wishes on to all of the TIQ team.

I also extend our gratitude to Australian High Commissions and Embassies for their great support.

I have certainly not forgotten the wonderful work of the Consular Corps in Queensland. Their presence in Queensland is a living symbol of our State’s mutually beneficial bilateral relationships with the countries they represent.

Their work in supporting the welfare of their citizens visiting or living in Queensland is an often unrecognised, but important, contribution to our State’s tourism, education and other sectors.

Kaye and I extend our warmest thanks for the leading roles you allplay in keeping Queensland’s international relations in such excellent shape. Yours is a major contribution to the prosperity and well-being of our State. Thank you.