QUEENSLAND Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is off on an 11-day mission to promote trade with Europe and the Middle East.

The Premier, who is also the state’s trade minister, is to visit the United Arab Emirates, Germany and the United Kingdom before returning home.

“In my first year as trade minister, the value of Queensland’s goods exports rose by $12.3bn to $82.8bn,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“In the 12 months to February 2019 our merchandise exports were worth $83.13bn – more than New South Wales and Victoria combined.

“This trade mission is about opening the door to increased investment and export opportunities for more Queensland businesses, especially in areas where we have an international competitive advantage.”

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Ms Palaszczuk said she was excited to meet the Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner and see firsthand how Queensland companies were making their.

The Premier is to then travel to Germany to continue discussions with defence contractor Rheinmetall, which is set to deliver new Australian Army vehicles.

In Berlin, the Premier is to host an investor roundtable with executives from multinational companies and others.

While in London, the Premier is to meet with executives from major production companies to secure more international projects for Queensland’s screen industry.

The Premier returns to Queensland on April 15.