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Posted by David Sexton
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24 February, 2026
STATE trade minister Ros Bates is to deliver the opening address at the upcoming Queensland Exporter Conference in Brisbane on Thursday 12 March.
To be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, the conference is to include presentations from Trade and Investment Queensland chief executive Justin McGowan, economist Tim Harcourt, TIQ chair Will Hodgman (the former premier of Tasmania), as well as a panel session on trade and investment.
The conference program features more than 60 speakers including trade experts from key global markets in Asia, North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, South America, India and the Pacific.
Ms Bates has been actively pursuing the trade agenda, recently announcing several new appointments to the TIQ board, those being Lisa France, Jeff Pfaff and Josie Angus.
“Queensland is open for business, and we are strengthening Trade and Investment Queensland to win global investment and support local exporters to succeed on the world stage,” Ms Bates said in a recent statement.
“These appointments bring vast experience across resources, finance and international agriculture exports. We are delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy by backing Trade and Investment Queensland to secure results.”
Economist Tim Harcourt is to discuss global trade trends for exporters from both Queensland and Australia more generally.
Professor Harcourt is the new industry professor and chief economist at the Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and specialises in Australia’s economic engagement with the global economy particularly Asia, Latin America and emerging markets.
He recently spoke with DCN about air cargo and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
Later sessions are to focus on food and agriculture, critical & digital technologies and education among others.
The afternoon is to conclude with a networking session with sports presenter Stephanie Brantz as MC.
After the conference, Queensland’s Trade and Investment Commissioners are to travel to Townsville and Toowoomba to connect with local exporters and highlight opportunities within their own international markets.
