Increasing business and tourism opportunities and attracting foreign students and investment will top the agenda for Redland City Mayor Karen Williams’ mission to Taiwan and China next month.
Cr Williams will attend the 8th Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, from 9-11 September with other South East Queensland Mayors and businesses.
The three-day summit is an important driver of economic growth for South-East Queensland.
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Cr Williams will then join a business development mission to China, where she will also visit Redland City’s sister city Qinhuangdao.
“These are all platforms for developing business growth and inviting investment in the Redlands,’’ Cr Williams said.
“Redland City is base to businesses which offer innovative products and services in areas such as sustainable energy, mining technology and professional services – all of which will be in demand by the rapidly changing Chinese market.
“Our City also boasts high-standard schools which will be highly attractive to Chinese and Taiwanese families.
“We need to ensure the Redlands is well-placed to capitalise on these opportunities as part of Council’s priority for driving local jobs growth.’’
The biennial APCS, an initiative of Brisbane City Council, involves more than 100 cities and has become a medium for global businesses to enter the growing Asia Pacific markets.
“It is recognised as one of the premier forums for fast-tracking international city networks and new business relationships in the region,’’ Cr Williams said.
“Redland City will gain access to a wide range of international business and civic leaders and allow us to forge strategic relationships with other cities to stimulate economic growth and create new business and trading opportunities.’
Under the theme of “Reshaping the Urbanomics of Cities – City Challenges and City Solutions’, this year’s summit will focus on business growth, trade, investment and economics.
The keynote speakers will be former Mayor of London Ken Livingston and HTC co-founder Cher Wang, ranked by Forbes Magazine as the most influential woman in wireless technology.
Cr Williams will join Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk on the business mission to China to support the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (COMSEQ) companies conducting business in these regions.
“This is a vital opportunity for Redland City Council to explore and develop much-needed trade and investment opportunities,’’ Cr Williams said.
“Traditionally, Queensland has relied heavily on importing goods from China – our number two merchandise trade partner – but the economic relationship has been one-sided.
“We need to address this imbalance and encourage Chinese companies to access the high value-added goods and services provided by enterprises in the Redlands.
“Education and training, for example, is an area where we have a distinct competitive advantage.’’
While in China, Cr Williams will visit the Redlands’ sister city, Qinhuangdao, as part of Council’s goal to foster economic development, education, culture and staff exchanges.
“I am keen to develop a mutually rewarding relationship which goes beyond just a cultural exchange,’’ Cr Williams said.
“The visit will open a gateway into new markets and opportunities while enhancing the Redlands’ reputation as a great place to do business.’’
Cr Williams’ attendance at the summit and travel to Taiwan is courtesy of the APCS host city Kaohsiung.
