TradeStart agreement backs Queensland exporters

TIQ and the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) signed a new 4-year TradeStart deal, which jointly covers costs of TIQ’s regional export advisor network to assist Queensland’s exporters. 

Co-funded in Queensland between the federal and state governments, the program will continue to help businesses across regional Queensland sell their products and services overseas.  

Trade and Investment Queensland will continue delivering the program in Far North Queensland (Cairns), North Queensland (Townsville), Wide Bay Burnett (Bundaberg), Sunshine Coast, Brisbane Metropolitan (plus a Critical Technologies Role), and Darling Downs South West (Toowoomba).  

In 2023, of Queensland’s estimated 7,366 goods exporters, more than 3,100 (42%) were located in regional Queensland.  

Between 2020 and 2023 the number of Queensland goods exporters grew by 6.3%, the fastest growth among all the Australian States.  

Compared with trade and investment agencies in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, TIQ led on the number of export businesses assisted in 2022-23.  

For the first time since 1998, the Australian Government’s TradeStart network is expanding to include all state and territory governments, as part of a $13 million extension of the program.  

Regional advisers employed under the program have significant expertise in providing assistance for regional businesses seeking to begin, sustain and grow their export journey.   

The Queensland Government has been associated with the TradeStart program since its inception in 1998.    

Trade and Investment Queensland CEO Justin McGowan said extending the TradeStart agreement was another good outcome for Queensland businesses.   

“We are proud to further build on the collaborative relationship with our federal colleagues to support a stronger Queensland and nation,” he said. 

“As the state’s global business agency, we have an international network of offices that support our regional staff.   

“Together, our trade experts provide advice, expertise and guidance that make a real difference to Queensland businesses seeking to export.  

“Exporters are a key pillar in the Queensland economy, supporting one in five jobs, while one in four across the state are dependent on interstate or international trade.  

“They also play a prominent role in our regions, with more than 42 per cent of our exporting businesses based in regional Queensland.”

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