Industry and Commerce

A multi-faceted strategy designed to make Queensland the intellectual hub of the Asia-Pacific region has given Queensland the name of “The Smart State”.

Queensland is leading the way for Australia and the Asia-Pacific region particularly in the areas of information technology, aviation and biotechnology. The state has 18 co-operative research centres representing strategic alliances and partnerships between research institutes, national and international corporations.

Academic endeavour, educational and research facilities, infrastructure, and quality of life all contribute to the state's strong economic growth.

You can participate in a wide range of interesting tours focusing on Queensland’s industry and commerce; including a “Behind the Scene” tour of Brisbane’s International Airport, which will develop into Australia's primary aviation and aerospace centre in the 21st century.

Other tours allow you to learn about the procedures of a large sea port, aquaculture or the sugar industry. Sugar is an important export industry for Queensland, with major importing countries including Canada, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan and the USA. Experience the production of Queensland’s famous sugar at a working sugar mill.

Queensland is also a fossicker's paradise, with its diversity of gem deposits known worldwide. Fossickers can try their luck finding agate, aquamarine, chrysophrase, garnet, opal, sapphire, thunder eggs, topaz and zircon.

To learn more about Queensland’s industry sectors and commerce, visit the website of the Queensland Department of State Development, Trade and Innovation, www.sdi.qld.gov.au