Premier to spruik ‘Smart State’ in India
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh will promote the state’s expertise in knowledge-based industries during the India leg of her first trade mission.
Ms Bligh is on the final leg of a 13-day trip, which also included China and Japan.
During her time in India, Ms Bligh will spruik Queensland’s export potential in education, health, clean coal technology, biotechnology, infrastructure, marine and renewable fuels.
Last financial year, India imported 15.4 million tonnes of Queensland coal, valued at $1.9 billion, and $358 million worth of metal ores.
Queensland food products exported to India last year were valued at $54 million.
Ms Bligh said India was the state’s third largest trading partner, and it was time to expand into other areas.
“My government continues to put significant financial resources into positioning Queensland as the ‘Smart State’, with export capacity in the areas of smart technology and skills,” she said.
“I will be encouraging further collaboration between India and Queensland in areas of mutual interest such as climate change research and preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games to be held in Delhi in 2010.”
Earlier, in Japan, Ms Bligh witnessed an agreement between Brisbane’s Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE and leading Japanese fashion college, Bunka Gakuen Education Foundation, to enable exchanges for fashion students.
The 13-day trip is Ms Bligh’s first overseas mission since becoming premier in September last year.
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Monday, April 7th, 2008 at 5:16 pm under