Lunch with Queensland Business Representatives

It is a very great pleasure to join you today as part of my first official visit to China as Governor of Queensland.

I hasten to add that this is not my first time in China.   

I have visited China officially as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland, and as a private tourist. These productive visits increased my knowledge of China on each occasion.  

That knowledge has grown further as a result of my program over the past two days, being briefed on matters ranging from urban planning to science.

And I look forward to learning even more from you today!

At Chinese New Year celebrations in Brisbane last month, I made the point that business relationships between Queensland and China constitute a major foundation of the broader relationship.

Bilateral business generates revenue, investment and employment.  These are of the greatest importance to both economies and to the well-being of communities in both Queensland and China. 

As representatives of your companies in Shanghai, you are right at the business end, if you’ll pardon the expression, of the bilateral commercial relationship.

You are the face of your business to customers, to clients, to partner organisations, to government authorities and other stakeholders in China.

I imagine that managing differences in business culture, in language, and in regulatory arrangements, among other factors, has its challenges.

But I don’t think you would be here if you didn’t look forward to a challenge.

As Governor of Queensland, I take this opportunity to thank and congratulate you, your companies and organisations, on your hard work and commitment to making a success of the China market.

The impressive variety of companies represented here shows how the multi-billion dollar trade and investment relationship between Queensland and China continues to become broader and deeper. 

It also suggests that there are many more real business opportunities waiting to be discovered.    

The Queensland Government’s representatives in four locations in mainland China – led by Commissioner Zhang – stand ready to assist Queensland companies already in China, and those engaging with the market for the first time.

Mr Zhang and his team are highly knowledgeable on the China market.  They have an extensive network of contacts to tap into. And they too enjoy a challenge!

On that positive note, I thank you for your welcome today, and wish you every success in your future business endeavours.

Thank you.