Picture caption: Presidents of the APNGBC, AFBC, and APIBC as well as members of the Business Councils’ Secretariat were present at the launch in Brisbane. (Courtesy TIQ LinkedIn page).
The Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council (APNGBC), the Australia Fiji Business Council (AFBC), and the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council (APIBC) have welcomed the launch of the Queensland-Pacific Trade and Investment Strategy 2026–2029, highlighting the importance of sustained industry engagement in delivering outcomes across the region. (See related story on the strategy.)
Representatives from the three councils were present at the launch on April 21 at the Parliament House in Brisbane, where the strategy, led by Trade and Investment Queensland, outlined Queensland’s approach to expanding trade, investment, and long-term partnerships across Pacific economies.
From the councils’ perspective, the strategy reflects a growing recognition of the Pacific as a core economic partner for Queensland. Its focus on infrastructure, education and training, agribusiness, and energy aligns closely with areas where Australian businesses are already active and where demand across the region continues to grow.
APNGBC President Vaughan Mills, speaking at the event, underscored the role of the councils as connectors between Queensland companies and Pacific markets. He noted that the councils represent a broad network of businesses operating across the region, with more than half their membership based in Queensland, and highlighted the longstanding collaboration with TIQ under memoranda of understanding in place since 2023.
Mills also pointed to the councils’ participation in the strategy’s development, including through industry roundtables, where private sector insights helped inform its direction. He stressed that consistent engagement, an understanding of local conditions, and genuine partnership across government, industry, and Pacific business communities would be critical to unlocking opportunities.
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The presence of council members at the launch reinforced the practical dimension of the strategy. Companies such as Hall Contracting and Kramer Asia Pacific were recognised as examples of Queensland businesses delivering tangible outcomes in Pacific markets, reflecting the value of long-term commitment and strong in-country relationships.
Through their work across the region, the councils noted that collaboration between government and industry remains central to translating strategy into action. Their networks, which include close links with peak business bodies across Pacific jurisdictions, continue to support Queensland companies navigating local markets and building partnerships.
As Queensland deepens its engagement with the Pacific, the councils’ role in facilitating connections, sharing market insight, and supporting commercial outcomes is expected to remain a key part of the strategy’s delivery.
