Stronger trade connections and new opportunities between Redlands Coast businesses and the New Zealand market were explored at a recent Redland City Council-organised business event.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams addresses participants at the Business Breakfast: Redlands Coast & New Zealand event.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the Business Breakfast: Redlands Coast & New Zealand event held in partnership with Trade & Investment Queensland (TIQ) on 18 November, presented the opportunities available and the ways to leverage and connect NZ and Redlands Coast trade and investment.
“This event was about identifying these opportunities and discuss a way forward for the strengthening of these ties in the coming year,” Cr Williams said.
“Having a strong bilateral trade and investment connection is a great way to form strategic trans-Tasman ties.
“Immediate opportunities for enhanced ties between Redlands and New Zealand could be in health care, maritime industries, food, ag-tech and emerging technology industries.”
Cr Williams said the event was one of several ways that Council supported local businesses including the highly successful Redlands Coast Business and Jobs Expo earlier this month.
“Council is coordinating our approach across the levels of government to provide seamless support for business in making the most of NZ trade and investment,” she said.
“In this way businesses can get access to resources they need regardless of their initial point of contact.
“This event was the start of Council working collaboratively with industry and government to explore trade and investment opportunities with a range of global markets.
“Many businesses just aren’t aware of the fantastic resources available to them in these endeavours. They can reach out to Council for personalised consultations so they can get the support they need to expand and grow their business.”
Participants at the Business Breakfast: Redlands Coast & New Zealand event held in Alexandra Hills.
Cr Williams said the event attracted representatives from a broad range of industries including food production, renewable energy, ag-tech, retailers, manufacturers and creative industries, including local and Indigenous-owned businesses. Key organisations represented included Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ), Export and Council of Australia and Trade & Investment Queensland.