Queensland Premier Annastacia Palazczuk is set to lead a trade mission to Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
Mayors and business leaders from regions critical in delivering the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan will join Premier Palaszczuk.
“I am travelling to Japan, South Korea and Singapore to hold meetings with offshore investors to grow Queensland’s critical markets as we continue to deliver our Energy and Jobs Plan,” Premier Palaszczuk said.
For parts of the mission, Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill and Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett will join Vecco Group Managing Director Tom Northcott, Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith, and PowerLink CEO Paul Simshauser as the Premier aims to win support in key international markets for Queensland’s plan and investment to deliver renewable energy and jobs across the State.
Resources Minister Scott Stewart will also join Premier Palaszczuk’s mission to South Korea to help promote CopperString and the Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy.
“Critical minerals like vanadium mined in North Queensland and green hydrogen from North and Central Queensland will be critical to delivering our state’s plan for more renewable and more renewable energy jobs,” the Premier stated.
“This is about securing investments to mine minerals, process minerals and make batteries in North Queensland and securing new investments in our emerging renewable hydrogen industry in places like Central Queensland,” she added.
In the most recent State budget, the Queensland Government doubled its investment in CopperString to $1 billion to assist in unlocking the North West Minerals Province and the critical minerals potential it presents.
Japan is Queensland’s largest export destination, with $27 billion in exports in the fiscal year ending April 2023, a 48% increase over the year.
Meanwhile, South Korea is the fourth largest export destination, with $19 billion in exports in the fiscal year ending April 2023, a 23% increase over the year.
The trade mission will also provide opportunities to promote Queensland’s agriculture, tourism, and education sectors, in addition to critical minerals.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles will be Acting Premier during the trade mission.
