News

A festive-season chat with Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner – Japan, Tak Adachi

How is the festive season celebrated in Japan?
Christmas is still not widely seen as a religious holiday in Japan but more as a time to get together with friends, family and partners. Christmas lights and illuminations are all over Japan and the Japanese love to go and see these in the period leading up to Christmas.

What were some standout achievements for TIQ Japan in 2019?
There were many. To name a few – successful missions involving the Premier and Minister Cameron Dick, 2 successful education missions with Study Gold Coast and Study Queensland, and supporting Team Queensland to attract a direct Virgin Australian flight between Haneda Airport and Brisbane. The Rugby World Cup saw a record number of Queensland clients visiting our market, and we also contributed to the first exports of green hydrogen from Queensland to Japan.

What are you most looking forward to in 2020?
TIQ Japan’s goal in 2020 is to become a ‘high impact’ team (like the Japanese rugby team). Watch out for our performance next year!

Any new year’s message you’d like to share with Queensland exporters?
From all of us here in Tokyo, we wish you a happy holiday season and all the best for the coming year. Thank you for working with us over the past year, contact TIQ Japan if we can be of any help – and book your Tokyo accommodation early for 2020!

A festive-season chat with Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner – India, Gitesh Agarwal

How is the festive season celebrated in India?

India celebrates Christmas with the same joy as it does Diwali. The colour red is seen across key cities and there is festive décor in shops, malls, hotels, churches, homes and schools. Big sales are everywhere, so everyone can play Santa. Restaurants serve special brunch menus, and plum cake is a big ritual. Bangalore alone has more than 100 Christmas events planned.

What were some standout achievements for TIQ India in 2019?

It’s been a year of connection. We have seen heightened engagement – such as 2 Indian innovators visiting QODE 2019 in Brisbane, successful visits to India by companies who received grants under TIQ’s Developing Future Leaders Program, visits by many Indian customers, and an 11-member women entrepreneurs’ mission to Queensland through Study Queensland. One big achievement was a very successful METS (mining equipment, technology and services) mission to the international mining exhibition in Kolkata. The 11 Queensland companies who attended made up almost 75% of the Australian presence there.

What are you most looking forward to in 2020?

Australia will engage with India very strategically, including through the Australia India Business Exchange program. TIQ has lots of plans, starting with a Study Queensland trade mission, potential launch of Q-PODs, the Indian Innovator campaign, the North Australian Education campaign etc. We also have new team members joining in December 2019, so it will be all hands on deck. Exciting times ahead for sure.

Any new year’s message you’d like to share with Queensland exporters?

‘Why India?’ is a question being answered by Australia, with strategies and reports on India released at both state and federal level. In our experience, all the companies who actually spend time in India meeting companies and exploring opportunities go back as advocates of the India story. If you’re interested, please do reach out to TIQ India, and take a journey.

A festive-season chat with Queensland Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner – China, Julie-Anne Nichols

How is the festive season celebrated in China?

Chinese New Year is the most important festival in Chinese culture. Many old traditions are still followed, such as family reunions and elaborate meals with family, friends and others. Some new traditions have also emerged, with Chinese outbound tourism now peaking around the new year holidays. Queensland is a popular holiday destination.

What was the standout achievement for TIQ China in 2019?

It has to be delivering the thirtieth anniversary of the Shanghai Sister-State relationship throughout 2019. This was a true Team TIQ and Team Queensland effort. Multiple organisations and departments were involved in renewing the sister state agreement, and the TIQ Brisbane, Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Hong Kong offices worked together to create wonderful programs for Queensland Government, business and cultural delegations visiting Shanghai. A highlight was the joint performance of the Queensland Youth Orchestra and Shanghai Young Philharmonic Orchestra, who also signed an MOU.

What are you most looking forward to in 2020?

Continuing the Team TIQ delivery model, where we work seamlessly across our global network to deliver inbound and outbound missions for trade, education, investment, business development and relationship-building between Queensland and China.

Any new year’s message you’d like to share with Queensland exporters?

Speak to TIQ China about your ambitions in the Chinese market. And, at a practical level, please be mindful of Chinese public holidays during key festival periods, which affect business operations, transport and accommodation in China. These change each year so please check official dates before making any travel and business plans for China.

Exporters from across Queensland travelled to China in November to showcase their goods and services at the second China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.

Supported by staff from TIQ Shanghai, the 15 Queensland companies at the event showcased food, beverages, consumer goods, education services and more.

Queenslanders living in Shanghai also came along to show their support, including Heidi Dugan, who is a celebrity host on Chinese TV.

Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for China Julie-Anne Nichols attended the official opening of the expo’s Australian Pavilion, which housed many of the Queensland exhibitors.

TIQ Shanghai arranged promotions and meetings for the companies with Chinese importers.

Senior Business Development Manager Li Chen said it was a unique opportunity for the Queensland exporters.

‘During the expo they got to develop relationships with networks in China and from abroad, and build their profile in this important market,’ Ms Chen said.

‘It was also an opportunity for TIQ to promote tourism, investment and trade opportunities in Queensland.

‘We are looking forward to seeing more Queensland goods and services here in China.’

Rockhampton City Council also hosted a series of in-market events during the expo, including an investment workshop targeting skilled business migrants and investors.

Local Business Development Manager for investment and migration Eileen Liu, who presented at one of the council’s events, said it created the perfect synergy.

‘It was great to have regional Queensland profiled and represented here in Shanghai, especially while the expo was on and Shanghai and China were in the global spotlight,’ Ms Liu said.

Following the expo, 4 Queensland food and beverage companies exhibited their goods at Food Hotel China held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center in Pudong, Shanghai on 12–14 November.

China is identified as one of Queensland’s most important export markets in the Queensland Trade and Investment Strategy 2017–2022.

Queensland exhibitors at CIIE 2019

• Ausino Pacific
• Australian Rural Exports (AUSTREX)
• Queensland Food Corporation
• Dr Oetker Queen Australia
• Nutrafruit
• CLHA
• Kilcoy Pastoral Company
• Sunshine Top
• Natural Pharmaceuticals Australia
• Aussie Qphoenix International Trading
• Jasmin Skincare
• Madad (Sealy of Australia)
• Australia Health Research & Development Group
• Western High
• Capilano Honey

Queensland exhibitors at FHC 2019

• AACo
• Bundaberg Brewed Drinks
• Dairy Free Down Under
• Morlife

‘Taking advantage of developing projects in the Wide Bay-Burnett region’s mining sector will benefit not only the economy, but also the community.’

That was the message TIQ Global Investment Commissioner Ross Buchanan delivered during his presentation at the first regional meeting of the Wide-Bay Burnett Resources Group (WBBRG) in October.

The meeting at the Bundaberg Multiplex Centre brought together resource sector leaders, local council members, government representatives, project advocates and industry groups.

Mr Buchanan attended the meeting to give a presentation on global partnerships and progressing foreign direct investments into local mining projects.

He said the meeting was a good first step towards bolstering support for mining operations in the region.

‘While the region is well known for its agriculture, there’s the potential to establish an even greater mining industry here as well,’ he said.

‘But to do that we need to support the smaller mines to create a “critical mass” in the region.

‘That will help not only help to attract spending on infrastructure, but also make it a more attractive proposition for providers of mining equipment, technology and services.

‘As North Burnett mayor Councillor Rachel Chambers has said, “Small mining projects are large regional opportunities”.’

The WBBRG, which normally meets in Brisbane, travelled to the region to help group members understand the region and the logistical issues faced by local mining companies.

Before meeting, they joined a site visits program coordinated by the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDMIP), supported by TIQ Bundaberg.

The tour took the visitors to a range of local projects, including the Evolution Mining and Sunstate Sands mines to hear about their experiences operating in the region firsthand.

After the meeting, the group visited the Port of Bundaberg, where Gladstone Ports Corporation manager Jason Pascoe updated them on infrastructure progress and site capacity for new mining projects, and tourism infrastructure projects.

The WBBRG was established in conjunction with DSDMIP to facilitate expansion of the mining sector in the Wide Bay–Burnett region.

Mineral resources are identified as one of Queensland’s major export strengths in the Queensland Trade and Investment Strategy 2017–2022.

Queensland-based global design firm Populous has been named 2019 Australian Exporter of the Year at the Australian Export Awards in Canberra.

Premier and Minister for Trade Annastacia Palaszczuk congratulated the firm, saying every Queenslander should be proud of the national win.

‘They are known internationally for their amazing design work in creating spaces that allow people to gather,’ Ms Palaszczuk said.

‘That includes our very own Suncorp Stadium right here in Brisbane, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London and the Yankee Stadium in New York.

‘The win is certainly well deserved and is another part of the great Queensland export story.’

Populous is one of the largest architectural firms in the world and generates around 80% of its income from exports.

Over the past 2 decades, the company has expanded into overseas markets and is now considered a standout example of Australia’s growing services sector.

Populous also won the Professional Services Award at the national awards.

Queensland exports support 1 in 5 Queensland jobs and are a key part of the state’s economy.

The state has around 7,300 goods-exporting companies, of which 40% are based in regional Queensland. Queensland sold more than $87 billion worth of goods to the world last financial year.

Populous earned their place as a finalist at the national awards after winning the Professional Services category at the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards in October.

The national awards were held in Canberra on 3 December.

The Queensland Government supports local exporters through the Queensland Trade and Investment Strategy 2017–2022, a whole-of-government strategy led by TIQ.

Everything from quality beef to an avocado time-machine were on the agenda when Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner visited Jakarta in October.

Mr Furner was supported during his visit by TIQ Indonesia, which arranged a packed program of meetings and site visits for the Minister.

These included a roundtable discussion with beef and horticulture importers, and a series of visits to local businesses who are already partnering with Queensland suppliers.

Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner for Indonesia Ben Giles said it was a productive trip, with the Minister reinforcing existing relationships and exploring new opportunities for Queensland exporters.

‘The Minister’s program included a visit to Ranch Supermarket in Jakarta to see Queensland products on the shelves – including beef, oranges, blueberries, lemons, Capilano honey and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks,’ Mr Giles said.

‘He also visited PT Total Food Indonesia, which imports quality frozen beef from Queensland to make 250,000 bakso meatballs a day.

‘PT Total Food also uses a specialist avocado-ripening machine manufactured by Naturo Technologies on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, fondly known as the “avocado time machine”.

‘It was a great chance for the Minister to see the strong ties that already exist and the potential for new partnerships in what is one of Queensland’s strongest growth markets.’

The Minister travelled on from Indonesia to Singapore, where he attended a Taste Queensland dinner featuring Queensland produce such as Five Founders beef, Borrowdale pork, Koala Karma drinks and Human Bean healthy snacks.

The dinner was arranged by TIQ ASEAN and gave local business leaders an opportunity to taste quality Queensland produce.

Indonesia was Queensland’s sixth-largest individual export market in the 2018–19 financial year, while exports from Queensland to all ASEAN countries (including Indonesia) increased by 56.5% from the previous financial year.

Strengthening Queensland’s presence in Indonesia and other ASEAN markets is a priority under the Queensland Trade and Investment Strategy 2017–2022.

Winning the International Education and Training Award at the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards capped off a great year for Brisbane-based company Australian Language School (ALS).

And ALS principal Neil Preston says he got much more out of the night than just the winner’s trophy.

‘It was great to talk to other finalists, even those competing in the other categories,’ Mr Preston said.

‘They helped me think in different directions and keep my ideas fresh.

‘That alone was worth its weight in gold.’

Recognised as one of Brisbane’s best language schools, ALS provides English-language intensive courses and vocational education and training courses to overseas students.

Founded in 2007, it uses an innovative approach and advanced technologies while meeting strong regulatory frameworks and accreditation.

And the results speak for themselves.

In the past 10 years it has achieved 4-digit growth, and is expected to achieve double-digit growth each year from here on in.

In 2018–19, it achieved $10.9 million in export sales to education markets such as Korea, Taiwan, Japan, China, Brazil and Colombia, with 3,503 new enrolments and 2,662 new students beginning their studies.

Mr Preston has worked as a teacher for more than 15 years, and joined the ALS team in 2008.

‘Now I’m kind of like a piece of furniture around here,’ he said.

ALS was one of 16 winners announced at the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards Gala on 10 October in Brisbane. Along with other category winners, it will now compete in the Australian Export Awards in Canberra on 3 December.

Supporting Queensland exporters is a priority under the Queensland Trade and Investment Strategy 2017–2022.

See the full gallery of photographs from the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards Gala.

You’ve probably seen footage of a helicopter winching someone to safety from a cliff face or other inaccessible area.

Well, there’s every chance the helicopter was fitted out for the role by Sunshine Coast’s HeliMods.

The Caloundra-based company specialises in fitting out aircraft for specialist roles including medical rescue, aerial policing and firefighting.

They’re known across Australia and now around the world, with a recent export award to prove it.

Helicopters arrive at HeliMods’ world-class facility from Europe as a basic shell and are then fitted out with whatever’s needed for their specialist role such as custom-designed floors, ceilings, oxygen, avionics systems and stretchers.

This process can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on the role and how much customisation is needed.

But, as HeliMods’ Head of Strategic Engagement and Special Projects Sandra Arico points out, this Queensland company has the world-class skills required for even the most complex jobs.

‘We have an incredible team of young and dynamic people here at HeliMods with different technical, commercial and design-based disciplines,’ Ms Arico said.

‘And together they’ve been able to solve some of the most complex industry problems through innovation and having access to the latest technology.

‘Our founder and Managing Director Will Shrapnel has always been forward-thinking, and understood very early on how digital technologies could be used to scale the business and have a unique impact in the market.

‘It’s that mindset, and those early investments in people and technology, that have paved the way for us to succeed in the market the way we do today.’

Mr Shrapnel started HeliMods as a sole operator in 2002.

The company now employs around 40 people, and exports its technology and services to organisations in North America, Europe, Asia and even Antarctica.

Global markets are a growing part of the HeliMods business, with export earnings now making up close to 50% of its revenue.

Mr Shrapnel said the company was proud to win the Regional Exporter category at the export awards.

‘The Shrapnel family has a connection to the Sunshine Coast dating back over 100 years, which made winning Regional Exporter of the Year at the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards particularly special for the company,’ he said.

‘My grandfather, Geoff Shrapnel, was one of the first in the region to receive a national export award back in the 60s through his work with local business Buderim Ginger.

‘He was instrumental in turning the business around through exporting and developing it into what is now a globally recognised brand.

‘So carrying on the family tradition through HeliMods and representing our region on the national and global stage is pretty special.

‘Our business is a great example of how technology can be used to access global markets from anywhere in the world.’

Mr Shrapnel encouraged other regional businesses to enter the awards.

‘I’d absolutely encourage new innovators from the regions to put themselves out there through the export awards program.

‘It’s a great opportunity to showcase their amazing achievements and to gain important recognition for the hard work and commitment that is required to compete in global markets.’

HeliMods was one of 16 winners announced at the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards Gala on 10 October in Brisbane. They will now compete along with other Queensland category winners in the Australian Export Awards in Canberra on 3 December.

Supporting Queensland exporters is a priority under the Queensland Trade and Investment Strategy 2017–2022.

See the full gallery of photographs from the Premier of Queensland’s Export Awards Gala.

In an Australian first, a $14.5 million drone flight-testing facility will be built at Cloncurry Airport, bringing high-tech industry and more jobs to North West Queensland.

Funded by the Queensland Government, it will test small-to-medium sized drones weighing 30–150 kilograms and is expected to attract clients from across Australia and around the world.

Announcing the new facility, Minister for State Development and Minister responsible for the Queensland Drones Strategy Cameron Dick said construction was scheduled to begin in early 2020.

‘Our government was the first in Australia to launch a drone strategy, and now we’re well on the way to becoming the nation’s drone technology capital,’ he said.

‘We have secured the world’s largest aerospace group, The Boeing Company, to be the first to conduct trials at the facility, creating an exciting new aerospace industry for the region.’

Boeing Director of Phantom Works International Shane Arnott said the company was looking forward to using the flight facility to safely and securely test the latest advances in autonomous systems technology.

‘The creation of what will be one of the world’s largest commercial unmanned flight test facilities is critical to establishing Australia as a global leader in autonomous technology,’ Dr Arnott said.

The Queensland Government will invest $14.5 million in the first stage of the facility, which will be built on airport land and include a hangar, operation room and surveillance radar and communications equipment. Construction is expected to create 65 local jobs, with further economic benefits over the long term.

Mr Dick said during the facility’s initial stages of operation drones would make test flights over short distances of up to 25 kilometres along a designated flight path away from built-up areas.

Queensland is already recognised as a global drone hotspot, with Brisbane hosting the World of Drones Congress for the past 3 years and Logan chosen as one of the first international sites for a drone-delivery trial.

Western Queensland’s potential as a drone testbed has also been promoted through the Outback Aerodrone Symposium, held in Barcaldine in 2018 and 2019.

TIQ has brought overseas delegations to the Barcaldine event both years, with TIQ Japan staff accompanying representatives from high-tech Japanese companies on a mission to this year’s symposium.

Promoting Queensland’s potential as a location for drone research, development and testing was a focus of the trip.

The aerospace sector is identified as an emerging export priority in the Queensland Trade and Investment Strategy 2017–2022.