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Queensland and Shanghai mark 35 years as Sister States with official visit by the Governor of Queensland
Brisbane May 28 (MCCQ Newsdesk Press release TIQ)
Queensland’s Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, is visiting China from this week as part of celebrations marking the 35th signing anniversary of the Queensland-Shanghai Sister State Agreement.
The landmark Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 1989 by Queensland’s then Premier Mike Ahern and the then Mayor of Shanghai and later Premier of China Zhu Rongji.
The bonds between China and Queensland have grown throughout this time to incorporate tourism, cultural exchange, strong educational ties, and flourishing trade.
China is Queensland’s largest source of international students, and the state’s largest trading partner and export market, with 2023 exports valued at $24 billion.
The Governor will also attend a Friends of Queensland reception in Guangzhou whilst travelling and will meet with a range of Queensland businesses, education providers and alumni operating in the market.
“Queensland and China have a highly productive relationship, and we have much to celebrate,” says the Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM:
Further she added: “I am honoured to be here to mark the anniversary of the long and enduring ties between Queensland and Shanghai.
“Queensland is very proud to be part of the agreement and contribute to the many benefits that have flowed from it for our state and Shanghai.”
Some interesting facts about Queensland and China Trade:
The Queensland Government operates five trade and investment offices in China.
In 2022-23, Queensland total (goods and services) exports were nominally valued at $144.3 billion, a new record high.
In 2022-23, Japan, China, India and South Korea were Queensland’s major goods export destinations.
In 2022-23, Queensland was Australia's second-largest goods exporter, after Western Australia.
In 2022-23, Queensland goods exports represent over one fifth of total national goods exports.
In 2022-23, Japan, China, India and South Korea were Queensland’s major goods export destinations.
One in five Queensland jobs are supported by exports.
One in four jobs across the state are dependent on interstate or international trade.
Direct flights between Brisbane and Shanghai by China Eastern Airlines resumed on 31 October after a three-year absence caused by the pandemic.
Queensland took the largest trade delegation in the state’s history to Shanghai in November for the China International Import Expo (CIIE) and will take part in the 2024 event also.
Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) is the Queensland Government’s dedicated global business agency with representation in 21 locations across 16 countries.
TIQ’s global network helps Queensland companies access international markets and facilitate foreign investments in the state while attracting international investment.
