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Posted by David Sexton
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23 April, 2026
ECONOMIC growth in Pacific Island nations presents trade opportunities for Queensland businesses, a new strategic report maintains.
Prepared for the Queensland government, the Queensland - Pacific Trade and Investment Strategy 2026-2028 was announced this week by trade minister Ros Bates.
The strategy identifies four key areas of growth, notably food and agribusiness.
“It charts a path forward and outlines a plan to build on the more than $9 billion of trade between Queensland and our Pacific partners in 2025,” Ms Bates said.
“Our approach is based on genuine partnership. This strategy builds on longstanding relationships — from our close ties with Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Samoa, to our deeply integrated economic relationship with New Zealand.”
The strategy document noted “well-established cultural ties link people across the region and underpin cooperation in trade, investment, skills and development — positioning Queensland as a natural partner for Pacific Island countries”.
“The Pacific is a region of growing strategic and economic importance,” the report stated, noting, a growing population and rapid urbanisation presented “significant opportunities for Queensland businesses”.
“Economic engagement with the Pacific also delivers direct benefits for Queensland,” the document stated.
“Growing Pacific markets creates new export opportunities and strengthens supply chain resilience.
“Deeper economic integration enhances investor confidence, opens new commercial pathways and contributes to long-term growth for both Queensland and Pacific economies, while reinforcing regional stability.”
The strategy notes natural resources and regional partnerships as strengths for the Pacific, with many Pacific Island nations “well-placed to diversify and strengthen their economies”.
“The Pacific region continues to demonstrate resilience, responding to global uncertainty while pursuing new economic opportunities,” the report stated.
“The region’s economic growth outlook remains positive yet cautious, with Pacific Island economies projected to expand by 4.1% in 2025, before moderating to 3.4% in 2026, and New Zealand’s economy growing 0.8% in 2025 before expanding by 2.2% in 2026.”
