Queensland has sent its largest business delegation to China, with more than 110 delegates from over 50 companies joining the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai this week.
The visit marks a strong push by the Queensland Government to re-establish Queensland’s reputation as a global trade player and strengthen commercial links with China, its largest trading partner.
Led by Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates, the mission brings together exporters from across the state under the new QueensLand of Opportunity brand, designed to showcase local talent and unite businesses under a single international identity.
A third of the participating firms hail from regional Queensland, including well-known producers such as Stanbroke Beef, Kilcoy Global Foods, COYO, and Walker Seafoods. The companies are presenting products ranging from beef and seafood to plant-based foods, boutique wines and wellness goods. Many are engaging in livestream sessions to reach millions of Chinese consumers and explore new eCommerce channels.
Minister Bates said the initiative shows Queensland’s readiness to compete and collaborate on the world stage.
“Queensland is back, showcasing our best and turning opportunity into outcomes,” she said. “We’re restoring confidence, cutting red tape, and backing exporters in every corner of the state.”
The government’s presence at the Shanghai expo also included the signing of a new trade agreement with JD.com, one of China’s largest eCommerce platforms with more than 600 million users. The Memorandum of Understanding between JD.com and Trade and Investment Queensland will give local exporters access to China’s vast online retail market.
As part of the deal, JD.com will place orders with 23 Queensland companies currently exhibiting at the expo. The move follows JD.com’s $240 million purchase of a logistics hub in Brisbane earlier this year, strengthening its operational base in Australia.
Minister Bates described the agreement as a major boost for regional exporters.
“JD.com is a global eCommerce powerhouse, and this partnership highlights Queensland’s growing reputation as a trusted supplier of premium goods,” she said. “This gives our regional and emerging exporters a direct pathway into the world’s largest online marketplace.”
Queensland’s exports to China totalled $25.3 billion in the year to August 2025, including $6.5 billion in premium food, beverage and medicinal products. With demand for quality Australian goods rising among Chinese consumers, the government hopes the renewed trade links will create long-term growth opportunities across sectors.
The CIIE, now in its seventh year, attracts hundreds of thousands of buyers from around the world and is considered one of China’s flagship trade events. For Queensland, the showcase is being used to reset relationships and rebuild confidence after years of slower engagement.
While the government has criticised past inaction, business leaders have emphasised that consistent follow-through will determine the long-term success of this renewed focus on trade. Strengthening supply chains, ensuring stable export channels, and maintaining high product standards are likely to remain central to Queensland’s approach as it seeks to position itself as Australia’s most export-ready state.
For many exporters attending this year’s expo, the message is clear: Queensland is once again open for business, and ready to reconnect with one of its most important markets.
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