Trade Queensland helps Queensland businesses achieve export success.

Major reforms have taken place since Rob Whiddon took the reins as general manager of Trade Queensland in February 2008, putting the organisation in a better position to meet the needs of the business community.

Trade Queensland reviewed operations and began redirecting its resources and representation in overseas markets to help businesses access export markets where Queensland has a current competitive advantage: markets like Latin America, the Middle East and Russia.

“It’s our job to help Queensland businesses achieve export success,” said Mr Whiddon.

“We do this by making sure that we are in the right place at the right time to use our networks and contacts to provide the best possible access and advice to our exporters, and to help open doors overseas for Queensland,” he said.

“With a population of just 4.2 million in a country of only 21.5 million, Queenslanders cannot afford to rely on domestic markets.

“Tough times mean businesses are examining their operations and expansion plans, including exporting. It can’t be business as usual for any company and Trade Queensland will be actively supporting the State’s exporters in an increasingly competitive environment.

“Following a wide-ranging review, Trade Queensland’s operations have been streamlined. We are more focused and better placed to assist businesses looking to go global,” Mr Whiddon said.

FREE ASSISTANCE

Most services are provided to business free of charge, shaped by the needs of Queensland’s new and established exporters and are aimed at assisting Queensland companies to achieve greater profit through going global.

Some of Trade Queensland’s services include:

• Relevant, up-to-date overseas market intelligence gathered through the organisation’s own offices, overseas government contacts and businesses operating in-market.

• Inbound and outbound international trade missions.

• A range of training programs and other mentoring for exporters and businesses to develop export ability.

• Facilitating business matching and access to key contacts to assist companies achieve exporting success.

Trade Queensland has recently upgraded its website – www.export.qld.gov.au – making it easier for business to access up-to-date exporting information, and establishing it as an excellent starting point for those companies considering expanding into new overseas markets.