The Queensland government has released a targeted plan to strengthen the state’s economic ties with the Pacific region, aiming to help local business and deliver new investment and jobs. Delivery of the Queensland-Pacific Trade and Investment Strategy 2026-2028 will be led by Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ).
As the Australian state that has some of the strongest connections to the Pacific, the release of this Strategy aims to deliver the strongest outcomes in an export market worth around $3 billion annually.
The Strategy includes four priority markets – New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Samoa – which account for more than 90 per cent of Queensland’s trade with the Pacific. It also focuses on priority sectors for collaboration, including food and agribusiness, education and training, infrastructure, and energy technologies.
Food and agribusiness initiatives and goals
Queensland is a leader in sustainable farming, offering agri-tech and climate-variability solutions to tackle supply chain and climate challenges. Skills in water-efficient irrigation, pest control and soil management support Pacific nations to build resilient agricultural systems.
Expertise in food processing and product innovation means Queensland supports Pacific nations in modernising supply chains and creating high-quality products. These capabilities open access to global markets and drive new economic opportunities.
As Pacific nations prioritise food security and climate adaptation, Queensland can provide proven strategies to boost productivity and build climate-resilient food systems, ensuring long-term regional stability.
TIQ will work with industry to;
- Enable tailored business-to-business introductions that connect Queensland companies with Pacific partners to fill critical supply chain gaps and unlock new opportunities.
- Promote and deliver Queensland’s food and agricultural products and agri-tech services by leveraging the strengths of Queensland’s global business brand at high-profile trade shows.
- Support value-added third market exports by positioning Queensland as a hub for processing and re-exporting Pacific food and agricultural products.
The strategy states that success in 2028 will include growth in Queensland’s exports of food and beverage, and agri-tech, increased participation at key trade shows and events supporting Queensland companies to promote quality products, services and technologies, and increased commercial partnerships between Queensland and Pacific businesses to supply value added exports to third markets.
Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates, said the state had long been well-placed to lead in the Pacific, and the Strategy will support stronger partnerships and economic opportunities.
“The state government is backing our exporters, strengthening collaboration with our Pacific partners, and turning strong relationships into new exports and investment,” said Bates.
“Queensland is open for business – and in a changing global environment, strengthening ties close to home is essential to building a stronger economy.”
For further information, the full Queensland-Pacific Trade and Investment Strategy 2026-2028 is available online at tiq.qld.gov.au.
