The Queensland Government has announced a trade mission to East Asia aimed at strengthening manufacturing and resources ties, with Minister for Natural Resources and Mines and Manufacturing Dale Last leading a delegation to South Korea and Japan to promote investment and economic growth in the State’s mining and manufacturing sectors.
According to the Queensland Government, the mission forms part of its broader economic agenda focused on supporting local industries and securing long-term trade partnerships.
The delegation will meet with industry leaders in both countries to reinforce Queensland’s coal, gas and critical minerals industries, while also highlighting the State’s manufacturing capabilities.
Minister Last said the trade mission was intended to strengthen Queensland’s position as a destination for resources investment and to promote the State’s openness to international trade.
“The resources sector is the lifeblood of our economy. We need guaranteed investment and trade with our strategic partners to secure these industries’ operations well into the future,” Last said.
He said the visit would seek to create renewed trade opportunities, support local employment and encourage the transfer of industry knowledge to Queensland’s workforce.
“This trade mission is about creating renewed trade opportunities for Queensland, supporting local jobs, and the transfer of industry leading knowledge back to our local workforce,” he said.
Last noted that South Korea is Queensland’s second-largest export market and Japan its third-largest, describing both nations as key strategic partners for the State.
The Government also said the mission would provide an opportunity to promote Queensland’s manufacturing sector, including engagement with partners connected to the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program.
“This trade mission also presents an opportunity to showcase our State’s manufacturing capabilities, including meetings with key partners for the Queensland Train Manufacturing Program,” Last said.
He said the Government had put the program “back on track”, with train manufacturing in Maryborough set to begin this year, and was focused on strengthening partnerships to drive further investment across Queensland.
The Queensland Government said the mission reflects its commitment to building a stronger economy through expanded trade and investment links in the East Asian region.
