Queensland Government unveils new export push

QUEENSLAND might be known for mining, agriculture and tourism, but the Sunshine State is set to take several other emerging industries to the world.

The Sunshine State is set to expand its core competencies.

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RENEWABLE energy, defence industries and advanced manufacturing will become part of an export push by the State Government to be unveiled today.

While the key areas of mining, agriculture and tourism will draw most of the focus, education will also be part of the trade push in an economic strategy which will be released before the June Budget.

Treasurer and Trade Minister Curtis Pitt will also outline how the Government will explore five key areas in which Queensland can export know-how or technology.

Renewable energy and biofuels, biomedical, advanced manufacturing, defence and aerospace, as well as mining equipment, technology and services are considered emerging industries for Queensland and will be part of the push.

Treasurer and Trade Minister Curtis Pitt

More than 400,000 homes in the state now have solar panels, and Queensland is considered a national leader in the surging industry.

A Government spokesman said the export push would be a key part of the economic plan for Queensland and would be an “ambitious vision’’ to position the state as Australia’s most innovative and dynamic trading economy.

“To do this, the strategy looks around the globe to see where Queensland’s talents and products can realise the most potential in a reshaped modern world, considering the rise of Asia, the growing global middle class and increasing international demand in areas such as infrastructure, food, tourism and education,’’ the spokesman said.

Mr Pitt said the nominal value of Queensland merchandise exports jumped by 17 per cent to $57.1 billion in the 12 months to February 2017.