Minister promotes Queensland's trade and investment to Singapore

Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade

The Honourable Stephen Robertson

01/05/2010

Minister promotes Queensland's trade and investment to Singapore

Singapore: Trade Minister Stephen Robertson is highlighting Queensland's trade and investment credentials to Singapore's government and key investment organisations as part of a trade mission to Singapore.

Mr Robertson said Singapore is a key gateway into Asia for Queensland as a favoured export and investment destination.

"During this mission I am meeting with Mr Bill Foo, ANZ Singapore's General Manager, a key group of Singapore's private investors from the mining and resource related sectors; as well as senior executives from Singapore Government-owned entities with substantial investments in Australia," Mr Robertson said.

"I'm also meeting with representatives of Singapore's Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Investment Trade Commission, to discuss trade and investment opportunities for Queensland across the ASEAN countries."

Queensland Gas Corporation's recent export contract with Singapore is another key focus for the Minister in Singapore, where he will meet with Singapore's Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Education.

"As part of Singapore's Energy Security and Fuel Diversification strategy, there are a range of opportunities for Queensland's energy companies," Mr Robertson said.

"Queensland has much to offer Singapore's energy sector, including low emission technology for coal-fired power stations, a developing LNG industry, and renewable energy technologies.

"In 2008-09, Queensland's economy benefited from almost $362 million in merchandise goods exported to Singapore.

"Singapore is also a valuable education market for Queensland, and was ranked number 16 in Queensland's list of top source countries for international student enrolments across all sectors in 2009.

"Queensland recorded 1400 student enrolments from Singapore in 2009, reflecting an increase of more than 11 per cent over the previous year."

Minister Robertson is undertaking a trade mission from 27 April to 8 May to promote Queensland as a trade and investment destination in Malaysia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.