March 12, 2010The 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 in Auckland.
Addressing delegates as keynote speaker yesterday, 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.
Robertson says the Queensland Government welcomes 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," he says.
"Queensland has one of the fastest growing populations in the country which presents significant opportunities for overseas companies.”
According to Robertson, the merchandise trade relationship was worth in excess of $2 billion in 2008-09.
He says a number of New Zealand companies have already developed strong foundations in Queensland across a number of industries.
These include Air New Zealand subsidiary Tasman Aviation Enterprises (TAE) which provides 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.
Meanwhile, New Zealand business Corson Grain has established itself as Queensland's largest maise milling company.
Queensland is an ideal environment of employment and economic growth, according to Robertson.
"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," he says.
"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."
