Mayor to lead delegation for trade mission to Singapore and China
Published on 11 October 2016
A delegation led by Mayor Strelow will be joined by business and educational representatives to promote opportunities in the Rockhampton Region for investment and as a tourism and education destination.
The party will spend two days in Singapore and four in China next month.
Mayor Strelow said Council representatives will meet with real-estate investors in Singapore some of whom have already invested in the local market.
“When I visited Singapore late last year I met with representatives from the Fragrance Group and was able to reinforce some of the good work that Pat O’Driscoll has done in building relationships with key investors. That relationship has now borne fruit,” she said.
“We will also meet with the other current and potential real estate investors.”
With the recent signing of the new MOU with Singapore, Mayor Strelow said we can expect to have thousands of Singaporean military personnel in the region for up to 100 days per year as compared to the current 50 day exercise.
“That is almost 1/3 of the year and certainly strengthens the case for direct investment by Singaporean businesses into our Region,” Cr Strelow said.
“We know that there has been considerable Singaporean real estate development in other areas of Australia but it is only just beginning here in Rockhampton.
“Council is also finalising details on co-hosting a dinner with the Vice Chancellor of Central Queensland University to promote our region among alumni of the University who are based in Singapore.”
The Mayor will also continue with trade contacts made 12 months ago where direct connections were made with Teys Bros resulting in increased exports of Rockhampton beef into Singapore.
The delegation will then move to China where the Mayor and Mr O’Driscoll will renew their acquaintance with real-estate investor Mr Ding of Yuexing Group before moving on to Zhenjiang to sign a Friendship City Agreement and to participate in a conference they are hosting for climate-smart cities.
The budget for travel and accommodation for all five delegates including various receptions is expected to total $30,000 with this cost being met by Rockhampton Region's Sister City and Promotions budget.
Zhenjiang will foot the bill for the delegation's Chinese travel arrangements, accommodation and dining.
“Regional Queensland has well and truly learnt that the world won't come to us,” Cr Strelow said.
“At a time when so much focus is on Asia, and there are so many opportunities and so many other regions actively attracting investment and exports, it makes sense for us to take our story to the marketplace directly.”
“Our specialist team have put together a focussed program drawing on existing networks in Singapore and China and allowing our community the opportunity of building new relationships too.
“There are plans for direct relationships between our University and a partner University in Zhenjiang and already one Rockhampton school has enquired about school to school visits.”