The Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council, the Australia Fiji Business Council and the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council have welcomed the launch of the Queensland-Pacific Trade and Investment Strategy 2026-2029, highlighting the importance of sustained industry engagement in delivering outcomes across the region.
Representatives from the three councils attended the launch on April 21 at Parliament House in Brisbane, where Trade and Investment Queensland outlined the state’s approach to expanding trade, investment and long-term partnerships across Pacific economies.
The councils said the strategy reflected growing recognition of the Pacific as a key economic partner for Queensland. Its focus on infrastructure, education and training, agribusiness and energy aligns with sectors in which Australian businesses are already active and where regional demand continues to grow.
Speaking at the launch, Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council President Vaughan Mills said the councils played an important role in connecting Queensland businesses with Pacific markets. He said more than half of the councils’ members were based in Queensland and noted their longstanding collaboration with Trade and Investment Queensland under memoranda of understanding signed in 2023.
Mills also highlighted the councils’ involvement in developing the strategy, including participation in industry roundtables where private-sector input helped shape its direction. He said consistent engagement, understanding local conditions and genuine partnerships between government, industry and Pacific business communities would be critical to unlocking opportunities.
Council members attending the launch also underscored the practical dimension of the strategy. Companies including Hall Contracting and Kramer Asia Pacific were recognised as examples of Queensland businesses delivering outcomes in Pacific markets through long-term commitment and strong in-country relationships.
The councils said collaboration between government and industry remained central to turning strategy into action. Their networks, which include links with peak business bodies across Pacific jurisdictions, continue to support Queensland companies navigating local markets and building partnerships.
As Queensland deepens engagement with the Pacific, the councils are expected to continue playing a key role in facilitating connections, sharing market insight and supporting commercial outcomes under the strategy.
