Source: Queensland Government

Published: 11 March, 2010

New Zealand: The Queensland Government has extended an invitation to New Zealand and Asian Pacific firms to explore new investment opportunities in Queensland at the New Zealand - Australia Investment Forum today in Auckland.

Addressing delegates as keynote speaker Trade Minister Stephen Robertson highlighted investment opportunities in a number of burgeoning Queensland industries for investors and businesses based in New Zealand and across the Asia Pacific region.

Mr Robertson said the Queensland Government welcomed investment in infrastructure, biotechnology, aviation, energy and resources, and agribusiness from our Trans Tasman neighbours.

"The Australian and New Zealand governments are moving towards the ultimate goal of a 'Single Economic Market' and the Queensland Government is committed to positioning our state as an ideal location for New Zealand investors," Mr Robertson said.

"Queensland has one of the fastest growing populations in the country which presents significant opportunities for overseas companies.

"The Bligh Government is investing a record $18.2 billion in Queensland infrastructure and we are driving growth in the developing biotechnology and energy and resources industries.

Mr Robertson said the merchandise trade relationship was worth in excess of $2 billion in 2008-09.

"A number of New Zealand companies have already developed strong foundations in Queensland across a number of industries," Mr Robertson said.

"Air New Zealand subsidiary, Tasman Aviation Enterprises (TAE), provide maintenance and support services to the RAAF's F/A-18 fighter plane fleets.

"TAE is based at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland, supporting more than 200 Queensland jobs.

"Over the past seven years, New Zealand company Corson Grain has established itself as Queensland's largest maise milling company currently employing eighteen people in Warwick with plans for further expansion."

Mr Robertson said Queensland was an ideal environment of employment and economic growth.

"We have one of the most competitive payroll tax regimes in Australia, tax breaks for employers of apprentices and trainees, and innovation grants - making Queensland a perfect location for New Zealand firms looking to expand," Mr Robertson said.

"Located on the doorstep of the Asia Pacific, Queensland is located well to do business not only with New Zealand, but with Asia, the Pacific and the world."

Mr Robertson said the Queensland was Government was looking at new ways to expand and strengthen its economy which presented significant opportunities for New Zealand and Asian Pacific companies.

"In sticking with this year's New Zealand - Australia Investment Forum theme, my message to investors is that Queensland is 'Open for Business'," Mr Robertson said.