Queensland’s biggest ever trade mission to Asia has departed, marking a renewed effort to strengthen the state’s economic ties and profile in regional markets.
Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates is spearheading the delegation, which will include the opening of a new Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) office in Hanoi before joining 110 Queensland delegates at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.
The move comes as Queensland celebrates 36 years of Sister State relations with Shanghai and rolls out its Queensland–China Trade and Investment Strategy 2025, alongside the state’s new global business brand, QueensLand of Opportunity.
Minister Bates said the mission represented both an economic opportunity and a statement of intent.
“Throughout Labor’s decade of decline, exports were transactional, relationships were an afterthought, Queensland’s export potential sat idle and investment opportunities were missed,” she said.
“The Crisafulli Government is showing the world Queensland is once again open for business by leading our state’s biggest ever delegation to CIIE and by opening another TIQ office in Vietnam.”
The new Hanoi office adds to the existing Ho Chi Minh City presence, making Queensland the first Australian state with a dual-city trade and investment footprint in Vietnam—the state’s largest export destination in Southeast Asia and sixth largest globally.
A third of the businesses showcasing at CIIE come from regional Queensland, featuring well-known names such as Stanbroke Beef, JBS, Kilcoy Global Foods, Walker Seafoods and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks.
Minister Bates said the showcase at CIIE, the world’s largest import expo, was a vital platform for Queensland exporters.
“Our 113-strong delegation to CIIE will feature 51 companies, with their range of products highly popular among Chinese buyers, including premium beef, seafood, horticulture, wine and beverages, processed food and health and wellness products,” she said.
“By strengthening our ties with China and Vietnam we are laying the foundation for more resilient supply chains, greater market access and stronger relationships, all of which will underpin a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.”
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