Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training

The Honourable Ros Bates

02 November 2026

MEDIA STATEMENT: Trade mission to Thailand and China champions Queensland exporters

  • A major trade mission to Thailand and China begins this week to strengthen export and growth opportunities for Queensland businesses.
  • Queensland’s largest ever delegation to China will see over 115 representatives focus on driving food and consumer goods exports and promoting the State’s small and family businesses.
  • Queensland is open for business under the Crisafulli Government, as it continues to deliver better services through a stronger economy by rebuilding international relationships tarnished by the former Labor Government. 

The Crisafulli Government will lead a major trade mission to Thailand and China to strengthen the foundations of Queensland’s trade reset and continue to drive opportunities for exports and investment across the State. 

Labor’s decade of decline damaged relationships with key international trading partners and saw countless opportunities missed for Queensland businesses to succeed on the world stage. 

Under the Crisafulli Government, Trade and Investment Queensland has helped support more than 6,100 new jobs and more than $6.18 billion in export and investment outcomes, an increase of 2,900 jobs and $1.85 billion in economic activity compared to the last two years of the former Labor Government. 

The trade mission to China will see another record number of Queensland delegates attend the China International Import Expo (CIIE) to promote the State’s worldclass food and agribusiness, health and wellness and consumer goods companies. 

Last year’s event generated a record $130 million in export deals and this year’s delegation will see 20 Queensland businesses attending CIIE for the first time. 

The focus of the Thailand mission will be pushing for more beef exports, reinforcing Queensland is open for investment, and the official opening of the Crisafulli Government’s expansion of Queensland’s trade presence in Bangkok. 

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the mission would unlock valuable opportunities for Queensland exporters on the global stage. 

“After Labor’s decade of decline, we’re showing the world Queensland is back open for business by leading another record delegation to the world’s biggest import expo in China,” Minister Bates said. 

“Our State has what the world wants and this mission will be pivotal in strengthening our existing relationships, creating new ones and giving our exporters the best chance at success.

“By strengthening ties with Thailand and China, we are laying the foundation for more resilient supply chains, greater market access and stronger relationships that will deliver long-term benefits and jobs across Queensland”.