Trade and Investment Queensland Networking and Office Opening Events, Munich & Frankfurt, September 2023

On 20 September Trade and Investment Queensland, in partnership with the German Australian Business Council, held the second of two Networking receptions in Germany to promote joint business and investment opportunities between Germany and Australia’s sunshine state. The first event, held on the previous day in Munich in partnership with IHK Munich and Oberbayern, was also attended by a number of GABC members.

In Frankfurt the dynamic Australian team, headed by the Hon. Cameron Dick MP, Queensland Government Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, and Mr David Stewart, the Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner, Europe, were welcomed by Dr Sabine Pittrof, Chair of GABC, in the JW Marriott Hotel.

Dr Pittrof was followed on to the podium by Dr Mandy Pastohr, Hessen’s Minister for Industry, Energy, Transport and Housing, who underlined the particular location and infrastructure advantages offered by the Bundesland.

Mr David Stewart and the Hon. Cameron Dick MP, both gave lively and dynamic speeches which reflected Queensland’s stated determination “to become a showpiece for the world” as evidenced by its success in securing the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. They noted that Queensland is currently the major centre for immigration within Australia. Existing joint research and commercial ventures between German and Queensland institutions and universities were highlighted with emphasis being placed on as yet untapped opportunities.

Dr Rainer Waldschmidt, CEO Hessen Trade and Invest rounded off the welcome congratulating the State of Queensland on opening an Office in Frankfurt.

The evening was then given over to networking to allow the fifty participants to tap the opportunities offered at this event.

Dr Sabine Pittrof concluded the evening by reflecting on the success of the event and offered a final vote of thanks to the participants, organisers and guests.