Queensland is intensifying its efforts to strengthen trade relations with China, with a renewed focus on the mining sector, as Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates leads a high-level trade mission across Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen this week.
The delegation aims to rebuild key partnerships and secure new commercial opportunities, particularly in mining and resources, as part of the recently unveiled Queensland–China Trade and Investment Strategy 2025.
The trade mission includes the opening of a new Trade and Investment Queensland office in Shenzhen, a move designed to cement Queensland’s presence in the rapidly developing Greater Bay Area — a region poised for significant growth in energy, advanced manufacturing, and resource — related investments.
The new strategy outlines Queensland’s commitment to leveraging complementarities with China, especially in sectors where Queensland has established global proficiency, such as mining, energy, and advanced manufacturing.
China remains Queensland’s largest trading partner, accounting for more than $43 billion in trade last year, with resources and mining exports forming a substantial part of this relationship.
The Queensland–China Trade and Investment Strategy 2025 highlights opportunities for Queensland mining companies to expand into emerging Chinese markets, including second, third, and fourth-tier cities, where demand for high-quality resources and energy remains robust.
Minister Bates emphasised the importance of stability and renewed engagement, stating: “China is Queensland’s largest trading partner, accounting for more than $43 billion in trade last year alone.”
She added: “We are leading from the front with our trade partners, assuring stakeholders that Queensland is delivering on our commitment to stability, certainty, and growth.”
The trade mission also marks Queensland’s return to Hong Kong’s HOFEX 2025, one of Asia’s premier food, beverage, and hospitality trade shows, after a five-year absence.
While the event spotlights agribusiness, it also serves as a platform to showcase Queensland’s broader export capabilities, including mining technologies and services, to more than 30,000 buyers from across Asia.
The Queensland–China Trade and Investment Strategy 2025 further identifies the mining sector as a key area for bilateral growth, with China’s ongoing transition toward renewable energy and advanced manufacturing creating new avenues for Queensland’s resource exports and technology partnerships.
The strategy also notes that collaboration in mining innovation, infrastructure, and energy will be critical as China seeks to balance traditional resource needs with its ambitious sustainability targets.
By re-engaging with China through targeted trade missions and strategic investment, Queensland aims to secure its position as a reliable supplier of resources and mining expertise, ensuring sustained economic growth and job creation for the state.
