Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, is set to lead a trade mission to Japan, South Korea and Singapore to invigorate investment in Queensland’s critical minerals, hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel industries.
The trade mission, to take place in July 2023, will target key markets of Japan and South Korea, which had a combined state exports total of more than $46 billion over the year to April 2023.
Townsville Mayor, Jenny Hill, and Gladstone Mayor, Matt Burnett, will join Vecco Group Managing Director, Tom Northcott, Townsville Enterprise Chief Executive Officer, Claudia Brumme-Smith, and PowerLink Chief Executive Officer, Paul Simshauser, for parts of the mission as the Premier targets key overseas markets to shore up support for Queensland’s plan and investment to deliver renewable energy and jobs across the state.
Queensland State Resources Minister, Scott Stewart, will also join Ms Palaszczuk for the South Korean leg to help promote CopperString and Queensland’s Critical Minerals Strategy.
The Queensland Government doubled its investment in CopperString in the recent state Budget to $1 billion to help unlock the North West Minerals Province and the critical mineral opportunities it provides.
Japan is Queensland’s largest export destination with $27 billion worth of exports in the year ending in April 2023 – an increase of 48 per cent over the year.
South Korea is the fourth largest export destination with $19 billion worth of exports in the year ending in April 2023 – an increase of 23 per cent over the year.
Global demand for critical minerals like vanadium, cobalt and graphite continues to rise and Queensland has stable supply chains that can provide confidence to investors.
In addition to critical minerals, the trade mission will also promote opportunities to promote Queensland’s agriculture, tourism and education sectors.
Steven Miles will be Queensland’s Acting Premier for the duration of the trade mission from Saturday, July 8 to Sunday, July 16.
Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said, “Critical minerals like vanadium mined in North Queensland and green hydrogen from North and Central Queensland will be critical to delivering our state’s plan for more renewable energy and more renewable energy jobs.
“I am travelling to Japan, South Korea and Singapore to hold meetings with offshore investors to grow Queensland’s critical markets as we continue to deliver our Energy and Jobs Plan.
“To secure jobs for the future, we’ll make the case for investment in our emerging vanadium mining, processing and manufacturing industries as well as our hydrogen industry.
“This is about securing investments to mine minerals, process minerals and make batteries in North Queensland and securing new investments in our emerging renewable hydrogen industry in places like Central Queensland.”
