Why China
China is Queensland’s largest trading partner and remains vital to our state's future prosperity.
It is a significant source of foreign investment to Australia, and the state’s largest source of international student enrolments.
Queensland-China Trade and Investment Strategy 2025
Our Queensland-China Trade and Investment Strategy 2025 outlines our plan to strengthen the Queensland-China trade and investment relationship to support Queensland exporters, investors, and education providers to achieve commercial success in key opportunity areas.
The strategy identifies priorities to support business opportunities in areas such as health, advanced manufacturing, energy, food and agribusiness and education and training.
Watch our Greater China Market Update webinar
Queensland’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for Greater China, Rhett Miller and guest speaker David Olsson AM, National President and Chair of the Australia China Business Council, share insights on China’s economic outlook, the new Queensland-China Trade and Investment Strategy 2025 and opportunities to further grow Queensland trade, investment and education outcomes with our largest trading partner.
China is the world's second largest economy, driving one-third of global growth
China is Australia's fifth largest source of foreign direct investment
*Combined total of Mainland China and Hong Kong Special administrative region.
China is Queensland's largest trading partner and export market
Key partnerships
Queensland has strong market access for exporters offered by free trade agreements.
These include the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement (A-HKFTA), and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) has enabled Queensland businesses to benefit from agreed tariff reductions across a range of exports. ChAFTA eliminates or reduces tariffs on exports like coal, LNG, beef, dairy, wine, and various manufactured goods. Additionally, it enhances market access for Australian services sectors such as education, healthcare, and finance.
Queensland exporters and delegates at China International Import Expo (CIIE).
Attractive opportunities for Queensland businesses
China is home to the world's largest middle class and continues to offer significant opportunities for Queensland companies.
Queensland's export strengths continue to complement Chinese demand and offer opportunities across food and agriculture, complementary medicine, health, design and education.
Opportunities for investment and partnerships exist in commercially viable renewables, traditional energy, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.
Buyers connecting with Queensland exporters at China International Import Expo (CIIE).
Opportunities and Challenges
- Projected growth of e-commerce and rising disposable incomes in China’s lower tier cities are opening new export opportunities for Queensland’s food, agriculture, and health products.
- The Greater Bay Area’s focus on connectivity, market access, and innovation offers potential for Queensland firms in health, design, digital trade and infrastructure.
- China’s demand for high-quality healthcare and clinical trials continues to grow, creating a strategic opening for Queensland’s capability in these areas.
- Queensland can partner with China to support its continued need for traditional energy as well as investment and partnership in commercially-viable renewables.
- China’s focus on addressing youth unemployment and further development of higher education and vocational training creates opportunities for Queensland to expand partnerships in skills-based education and career-focused learning pathways.
- Favourable market access for Queensland exporters exists through trade agreements such as ChAFTA, RECP, and A-HKFTA.
- Queensland’s collaboration with the Australia China Business Council (ACBC), Austrade and DFAT strengthens bilateral trade and investment ties by providing a platform for Queensland businesses to engage with Chinese counterparts, access market insights, and participate in high-level policy and industry dialogues.
- The Australia-China bilateral relationship is complicated owing to the fact that each has different political systems as well as differences in views on a range of important issues.
- The application of trade restrictions and tariffs by the US on China will likely weaken gross domestic product (GDP) growth of the latter and may weaken demand for key Queensland exports, especially commodities.
- Economic headwinds including a struggling property sector, overall weak consumer sentiment, and youth unemployment will likely continue to limit GDP growth.
- A complex and sometimes rapidly changing regulatory landscape in and in relation to China can present risks and challenges for Queensland businesses.
Greater China major activities 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027
Food and Agriculture
When: 2-4 September 2026
Where: Hong Kong
Sector: Food and Agriculture
Details: Support Queensland exporters at Asia Fruit Logistica, leveraging the platform to grow exports and buyer networks across Hong Kong and visiting international markets. Co-host a business matching and networking event with TIQ India to drive importer engagement and export opportunities.
Where: Hong Kong
Sector: Food and Agriculture
Details: Support Queensland exporters at Asia Fruit Logistica, leveraging the platform to grow exports and buyer networks across Hong Kong and visiting international markets. Co-host a business matching and networking event with TIQ India to drive importer engagement and export opportunities.
When: October 2026
Where: Qingdao
Sector: Food and Agriculture
Details: Support Queensland seafood exporters participating in the Australian Pavilion led by Austrade at China’s leading seafood trade exhibition by facilitating product promotion, buyer connections and targeted business meetings.
Where: Qingdao
Sector: Food and Agriculture
Details: Support Queensland seafood exporters participating in the Australian Pavilion led by Austrade at China’s leading seafood trade exhibition by facilitating product promotion, buyer connections and targeted business meetings.
When: 2-10 November 2026
Where: Shanghai, Macau, Zhuhai
Sector: Food and Agriculture
Details: Organize a trade mission to the world’s largest import-themed trade event- CIIE, to promote package food, beverages, health and wellness products, wines and spirits, meat, seafood and fruit to importers, buyers and distributors at the Queensland of Opportunity Pavilion. TIQ will also organize an optional extension program for Queensland delegates to showcase their products in Zhuhai and Macau.
Where: Shanghai, Macau, Zhuhai
Sector: Food and Agriculture
Details: Organize a trade mission to the world’s largest import-themed trade event- CIIE, to promote package food, beverages, health and wellness products, wines and spirits, meat, seafood and fruit to importers, buyers and distributors at the Queensland of Opportunity Pavilion. TIQ will also organize an optional extension program for Queensland delegates to showcase their products in Zhuhai and Macau.
When: September – November 2026
Where: Hong Kong
Sector: Food and Agriculture
Details: In collaboration with Austrade Hong Kong, promoting Queensland’s food and agricultural products through major retail channels in Hong Kong and showcasing the excellence of Queensland products.
Where: Hong Kong
Sector: Food and Agriculture
Details: In collaboration with Austrade Hong Kong, promoting Queensland’s food and agricultural products through major retail channels in Hong Kong and showcasing the excellence of Queensland products.
When: 29 October – 1 November 2026
Where: Hong Kong
Sector: Food and Agriculture
Details: In partnership with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), organize a high-profile promotion event at the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival to promote Queensland beef and premium food products.
Where: Hong Kong
Sector: Food and Agriculture
Details: In partnership with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), organize a high-profile promotion event at the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival to promote Queensland beef and premium food products.
When: March 2027
Where: Chengdu
Sector: Food & Agriculture
Details: Support Queensland food and beverage exporters at this major trade event, combining trade show participation with involvement in Austrade’s Australian lifestyle promotion to strengthen brand presence and expand distribution networks in Western China.
Where: Chengdu
Sector: Food & Agriculture
Details: Support Queensland food and beverage exporters at this major trade event, combining trade show participation with involvement in Austrade’s Australian lifestyle promotion to strengthen brand presence and expand distribution networks in Western China.
When: April 2027
Where: Changsha
Sector: Food and Agriculture
Details: To participate in Austrade’s Shine in Changsha event, promoting Queensland’s food and agribusiness products and attracting investment into Queensland.
Where: Changsha
Sector: Food and Agriculture
Details: To participate in Austrade’s Shine in Changsha event, promoting Queensland’s food and agribusiness products and attracting investment into Queensland.
When: 10-12 May 2027
Where: Hong Kong
Sector: Food and Agriculture
Details: Support Queensland food and beverage exporters at HOFEX by facilitating buyer engagement and business meetings.
Where: Hong Kong
Sector: Food and Agriculture
Details: Support Queensland food and beverage exporters at HOFEX by facilitating buyer engagement and business meetings.
Health, Innovation and Technology
When: 21-23 October 2026
Where: Queensland
Sector: Health, Innovation and Technology
Details: Lead an inbound delegation of Chinese biotech and pharmaceutical companies to AusBiotech on the Gold Coast to showcase Queensland’s life sciences ecosystem, facilitating collaboration in clinical trials and R&D through tailored meetings, conference participation, and direct engagement with Queensland stakeholders.
Where: Queensland
Sector: Health, Innovation and Technology
Details: Lead an inbound delegation of Chinese biotech and pharmaceutical companies to AusBiotech on the Gold Coast to showcase Queensland’s life sciences ecosystem, facilitating collaboration in clinical trials and R&D through tailored meetings, conference participation, and direct engagement with Queensland stakeholders.
When: November 2026
Where: Hainan
Sector: Health, Innovation and Technology
Details: Participate in Boao Lecheng’s flagship event to identify opportunities in innovative pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, with a focus on real-world evidence (RWE) collaboration and cross-border partnerships through targeted business matching and stakeholder engagement.
Where: Hainan
Sector: Health, Innovation and Technology
Details: Participate in Boao Lecheng’s flagship event to identify opportunities in innovative pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, with a focus on real-world evidence (RWE) collaboration and cross-border partnerships through targeted business matching and stakeholder engagement.
When: December 2026
Where: Shenzhen
Sector: Health, Innovation and Technology
Details: Participate in BrightMD Fair to promote Queensland’s medical device capabilities and investment opportunities, engaging with industry leaders and investors through targeted meetings and exhibition presence.
Where: Shenzhen
Sector: Health, Innovation and Technology
Details: Participate in BrightMD Fair to promote Queensland’s medical device capabilities and investment opportunities, engaging with industry leaders and investors through targeted meetings and exhibition presence.
When: May 2027
Where: Hong Kong
Sector: Health, Innovation and Technology
Details: Participate in the ASGH in collaboration with Austrade to support Queensland exporters and promote Queensland’s medtech capabilities and investment opportunities, targeting engagement with stakeholders across the Greater Bay Area.
Where: Hong Kong
Sector: Health, Innovation and Technology
Details: Participate in the ASGH in collaboration with Austrade to support Queensland exporters and promote Queensland’s medtech capabilities and investment opportunities, targeting engagement with stakeholders across the Greater Bay Area.
When: May 2027
Where: Shenzhen
Sector: Health, Innovation and Technology
Details: Participate the flagship industry event and engage with the battery and energy storage sector to build connections, attract investment, and promote collaboration opportunities aligned with Queensland’s clean energy priorities.
Where: Shenzhen
Sector: Health, Innovation and Technology
Details: Participate the flagship industry event and engage with the battery and energy storage sector to build connections, attract investment, and promote collaboration opportunities aligned with Queensland’s clean energy priorities.
When: May 2027
Where: Shanghai, Taipei
Sector: Health, Innovation and Technology
Details: Organize a clinical trials mission to Shanghai and Taipei to promote Queensland’s capabilities and facilitate partnerships in clinical trial and biomedical sector, through participating in DIA Shanghai and organizing dedicated workshop and business matching program.
Where: Shanghai, Taipei
Sector: Health, Innovation and Technology
Details: Organize a clinical trials mission to Shanghai and Taipei to promote Queensland’s capabilities and facilitate partnerships in clinical trial and biomedical sector, through participating in DIA Shanghai and organizing dedicated workshop and business matching program.
Creative Industries
When: 4-8 December 2026
Where: Guangzhou
Sector: Creative Industries
Details: Support Queensland’s design and creative sector presence at Guangzhou Design Week by facilitating client participation and showcasing capabilities, enabling direct engagement with industry stakeholders and potential partners.
Where: Guangzhou
Sector: Creative Industries
Details: Support Queensland’s design and creative sector presence at Guangzhou Design Week by facilitating client participation and showcasing capabilities, enabling direct engagement with industry stakeholders and potential partners.
Education
When: March 2027
Where: Beijing, Shanghai
Sector: Education
Details: Host a Queensland booth at one of China’s largest education events -CIEET, to drive student recruitment and promote institutional partnerships, providing a coordinated platform for education providers to engage prospective students and partners across multiple sectors.
Where: Beijing, Shanghai
Sector: Education
Details: Host a Queensland booth at one of China’s largest education events -CIEET, to drive student recruitment and promote institutional partnerships, providing a coordinated platform for education providers to engage prospective students and partners across multiple sectors.
When: March 2027
Where: Queensland
Sector: Education
Details: Building on the success of the April 2026 GBA Education Roadshow, a reciprocal visit program in Queensland is proposed to deepen and advance the Guangdong–Queensland education partnership. The program will convene a delegation of 5-10 leading higher education and VET institutions from Guangdong to strengthen the bilateral friendship agreement, accelerate the delivery of transnational education (TNE) initiatives, and drive collaboration in skills development, talent pathways, and graduate employability.
Where: Queensland
Sector: Education
Details: Building on the success of the April 2026 GBA Education Roadshow, a reciprocal visit program in Queensland is proposed to deepen and advance the Guangdong–Queensland education partnership. The program will convene a delegation of 5-10 leading higher education and VET institutions from Guangdong to strengthen the bilateral friendship agreement, accelerate the delivery of transnational education (TNE) initiatives, and drive collaboration in skills development, talent pathways, and graduate employability.
When: March 2027
Where: Beijing
Sector: Education
Details: In partnership with CSCSE, organize a targeted program to strengthen institutional partnerships and promote career outcomes for students through joint workshop and collaboration discussions.
Where: Beijing
Sector: Education
Details: In partnership with CSCSE, organize a targeted program to strengthen institutional partnerships and promote career outcomes for students through joint workshop and collaboration discussions.
When: March 2027
Where: Shanghai
Sector: Education
Details: Host an education agent workshop in Shanghai focusing on strengthening the relationships with and promote Queensland IET to agents and local schools’ student counsellors.
Where: Shanghai
Sector: Education
Details: Host an education agent workshop in Shanghai focusing on strengthening the relationships with and promote Queensland IET to agents and local schools’ student counsellors.
When: May 2027
Where: Chengdu
Sector: Education
Details: Host a dedicated agent workshop in Chengdu to strengthen education agent relationships and promote Queensland study pathways.
Where: Chengdu
Sector: Education
Details: Host a dedicated agent workshop in Chengdu to strengthen education agent relationships and promote Queensland study pathways.
When: May 2027
Where: Hong Kong, Shenzhen
Sector: Education
Details: A targeted roadshow across key GBA markets to showcase Queensland schools and study tours, strengthen relationships with education agents and stakeholders, and explore recruitment, collaboration, and partnership opportunities.
Where: Hong Kong, Shenzhen
Sector: Education
Details: A targeted roadshow across key GBA markets to showcase Queensland schools and study tours, strengthen relationships with education agents and stakeholders, and explore recruitment, collaboration, and partnership opportunities.
Infrastructure and Advanced Manufacturing
When: August 2026
Where: Foshan
Sector: Infrastructure and Advanced Manufacturing
Details: It will bring together government and industry leaders to explore opportunities in housing, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and sustainable construction. Building on previous China Investment Roundtables and aligned with APEC 2026’s themes of Openness, Innovation and Cooperation, the Dialogue will showcase Queensland’s growing infrastructure needs and Foshan’s strengths in prefabricated construction, building materials and advanced manufacturing.
The event will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Foshan–Townsville sister-city relationship and support stronger industry partnerships, knowledge exchange and two-way investment between Queensland and Foshan.
Where: Foshan
Sector: Infrastructure and Advanced Manufacturing
Details: It will bring together government and industry leaders to explore opportunities in housing, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and sustainable construction. Building on previous China Investment Roundtables and aligned with APEC 2026’s themes of Openness, Innovation and Cooperation, the Dialogue will showcase Queensland’s growing infrastructure needs and Foshan’s strengths in prefabricated construction, building materials and advanced manufacturing.
The event will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Foshan–Townsville sister-city relationship and support stronger industry partnerships, knowledge exchange and two-way investment between Queensland and Foshan.
Trade and Investment
When: 8-11 September 2026
Where: Xiamen
Sector: Trade and Investment
Details: Participate CIFIT to deepen engagement in Fujian Province and generate investment leads by promoting Queensland’s investment opportunities through stakeholder meetings, forum participation, and targeted outreach to government and industry representatives.
Where: Xiamen
Sector: Trade and Investment
Details: Participate CIFIT to deepen engagement in Fujian Province and generate investment leads by promoting Queensland’s investment opportunities through stakeholder meetings, forum participation, and targeted outreach to government and industry representatives.
When: January 2027
Where: Hong Kong
Sector: Trade and Investment
Details: Leverage AFF to promote Queensland as an investment destination, combining forum participation with a dedicated investment roundtable to engage financial sector stakeholders and strengthen capital attraction pathways.
Where: Hong Kong
Sector: Trade and Investment
Details: Leverage AFF to promote Queensland as an investment destination, combining forum participation with a dedicated investment roundtable to engage financial sector stakeholders and strengthen capital attraction pathways.
When: 13-18 April 2027
Where: Hainan
Sector: Trade and Investment
Details: Participate the Hainan Consumer Expo to showcase Queensland consumer products and support exporters entering or expanding in the China market through coordinated exhibition presence and buyer engagement.
Where: Hainan
Sector: Trade and Investment
Details: Participate the Hainan Consumer Expo to showcase Queensland consumer products and support exporters entering or expanding in the China market through coordinated exhibition presence and buyer engagement.
Meet Rhett Miller 雷米乐先生
Queensland Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner – China
Rhett Miller commenced as Queensland’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner to Greater China in August 2023.
He is responsible for leading Trade and Investment Queensland’s team in Mainland China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Rhett has extensive experience in international market development having previously worked with Austrade as Trade and Investment Commissioner and Deputy Consul-General (Commercial) at the Australian Consulate-General in Chengdu and Trade Commissioner (Education) (North Asia) at the Australian Consulate-General in Shanghai.
Resources
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