Preliminary trade figures show that the value of Queensland’s merchandise exports were worth a record $56.3 billion in 2008/09, an increase of $21 billion or almost 60 percent, according to Queensland Premier Anna Bligh.
“Those are impressive figures, especially in these tough economic times,” she said. “The success of these businesses means jobs for Queenslanders and continuing to grow exporting activity is vital to growing Queensland’s economy into the future.”
Bligh noted that the state’s population had just reached 4.4 million people, and that trade with overseas markets was important for industrial expansion and local employment.
Bligh was guest of honour at the 20th annual Premier of Queensland Export Awards in Brisbane on Wednesday night, one of the highlights of Queensland Export Week. “The Awards congratulate our excellent exporters for their efforts overseas and establishing Queensland as a reliable supplier of quality export products and services globally,” said Bligh.
