AT the opening of Export Week 2006, Premier Peter Beattie announced the Smart State's five-year export strategy to build on Queensland's thriving export culture, marketed globally under a new Trade Queensland banner.
"The new Driving Export Growth for Queensland Strategy will diversify Queensland's export base to take even more Smart State products and services to the world," he says.
"We will enhance the support available to innovative exporters and those in knowledge-intensive industries. We will establish a new Export Advisory Service, with a team of advisers to help local businesses achieve their export goals.
"We will also be more visible in our target markets overseas, with a stronger focus in China, India and the Middle East."
The Queensland Government will also boost trade representation in Southern China, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to strengthen existing partnerships.
"Additional export advisers will also be appointed in India, Korea and Vietnam," he says.
Premier Beattie says the international education sector will play an increasingly important role in the Smart State's exports profile, with knowledge-intensive exports experiencing a 25 per cent growth since 2001.
The International Education and Training Policy Statement - also released today - consolidates Queensland policies including the Smart State Strategy, Queensland Skills Plan and Education and Training Reforms.
The statement aims to guide the growth of the international education industry, which is worth more than $1.08 billion each year to the State economy.
Go to www.trade.qld.gov.au
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