Pacific, Papua New Guinea & New Zealand
Overview
The Pacific markets including principal trade partners of New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia, have a strong trade history with Queensland and continue to provide strong export opportunities for Queensland businesses. Their close proximity and similar trading conditions make the Pacific markets some of our most accessible.
Key economic developments in the Pacific, including major mining project in New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea, including the $12 billion PNG Liquid Natural Gas project, present strong opportunities for Queensland businesses.
The Driving Export Growth for Queensland strategy is identifying and driving export initiatives in the key Pacific markets below.
- Papua New Guinea: Queensland has a strong relationship with Papua New Guinea, which is supported by activities under the Queensland Papua New Guinea Memorandum of Understanding on Business Cooperation, which was first signed in 1992 and re-signed in October 2008 at the Queensland Parliamentary sitting in Cairns between the Premier, the Honourable Anna Bligh MP, and the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Sir Michael Somare.
- A joint Queensland - Papua New Guinea Business Cooperation Group (comprised of representatives from Queensland and Papua New Guinea Government Departments) guides the activities under the Memorandum of Understanding. The Business Cooperation Group meets annually alternating between Papua New Guinea and Queensland.
- The Queensland - Papua New Guinea Business Group was announced as part of the Cairns' Economic Future: A Plan for jobs and the economy 2009-2011. The Business Group will "provide advice to the Queensland Government" to help strengthen and develop new business linkages between Queensland and PNG, particularly between North Queensland and PNG.
- New Caledonia: The nickel mining sector in New Caledonia and other key industry developments provide opportunities for Queensland businesses in training, building and construction, tourism and hospitality, agribusiness, sports business and the environment.
The Queensland Government has a very close partnership with the Pacific, including in international development assistance-funded projects. Trade and Investment Queensland is placing an increased emphasis on assisting Queensland organisations to secure development business in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. The International Development Business strategy builds upon competitive advantages such as the State's close proximity to many developing countries, the similarity of Queensland's climate and topography, existing international relationships and substantial internationally saleable products and expertise. Read more about international development business.
Trade and Investment Queensland representation
Trade and Investment Queensland has a Special Trade Representative to Papua New Guinea, based in Cairns, to help drive business links between Papua New Guinea and Queensland, particularly North Queensland.
In addition, a dedicated Senior Trade Officer Papua New Guinea, based in Cairns, provides export advice and assistance to Cairns businesses looking to do business with Papua New Guinea.
Our overseas market development teams based in Brisbane work closely with our network of export advisers throughout Queensland and overseas, enhancing opportunities for mutual support and collaboration to help build the export capability of Queensland firms and help drive export growth.
Publications
Trade and Investment Queensland has a range of publications that provide more detailed information about export opportunities in the Pacific.
More information
For more information about how we can help you export to the Pacific contact Trade and Investment Queensland.
Our calendar of events and export training provides information about export and trade activities for the Pacific and other markets.
Last reviewed 02 July 2010
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