Redland City Council today adopted a revised International Relations Policy aimed at taking local businesses to the world and increasing trade and employment opportunities.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the International Relations Policy and Guidelines would cement the city’s growing reputation as a target for international investment by fortifying the city’s existing international ties and forging new ones.
“Redland City already has some very promising business opportunities with predominantly Asian markets and today’s decision shows Council’s commitment to building on these existing relationships and developing new ones,” she said.
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“These relationships could take the form of sister city arrangements such as those Redland City already has with Qinhuangdao in China, or more direct opportunities for local businesses looking for international markets.”
Cr Williams said Council had made no secret of its Open for Business focus with initiatives such as the CBD incentives package and economic development and tourism strategies all focused on increasing local business opportunities.
“Today’s decision supports our continued commitment to bringing the world to the Redlands and taking the Redlands to the world,” she said.
“The international door has been opened through the innovation and quality of local businesses and today’s decision will open the door that bit wider and bring real benefits not only to local businesses but the whole community through increased trade and employment.
“A key focus will be on markets where the Redlands has a competitive advantage as identified in our Economic Development Framework, including health care and social assistance industries, education and training and in the professional and scientific services sector.
“The revised policy also provides $20,000 in funding for international relations activities such as hosting delegations or attending international trade conferences.
“Attendance at international trade fairs and sister city arrangements has led to real opportunities for local businesses.
“For example our sister city relationship with Qinhuangdao in China resulted in an opportunity for an education exchange between Surf Lifesaving Queensland and Qinhuangdao surf lifesavers and an opportunity for a local marine construction company to expand their company to Qinhuangdao.”
“Our relationship with Kani City in Japan continues to deliver positive outcomes in education and wine exports from Sirromet Wines.”
Terry Morris, Owner and Founder of Sirromet Wines, applauded Council’s foresight and said the commitment to build international markets for local businesses was yielding results.
“Any exposure to international customers has the potential to generate increased opportunity for local businesses,” Mr Morris said.
“As an example we have recently launched our Kani City label which builds on the Redlands’ educational and cultural relationship with the Japanese city.
“In business, success can be contagious if businesses work together; one Redlands business gaining international plaudits raises the profile of the entire city and in doing so opens up opportunities for other local businesses.”
