Japan is vital to our State s long-term future, and the Queensland Government s Tokyo representation has played a key role in ensuring such a successful relationship. Later this week, on Thursday, I will be officially opening a new Queensland Government Office in the Rinku Gate Business Centre in Osaka. This is further demonstration that there is strong commitment in Queensland towards expanding our successful trade, business investment and cultural ties with Japan. This facility will consolidate our connections with the economically important Kansai region. In this changing and competitive world, there are a number of challenges facing the State of Queensland.
Japan continues to be Queensland s number one trading partner.
We are proud of our reputation for being an efficient and stable supplier of bulk commodities, and we want our valued customers to know that we are keen to continue doing business. But I want it known that there is new direction, new commitment, and new opportunities. We are telling the world that Queensland is The Smart State, and a Smart Business Move for investors looking for opportunities. Our new Smart State approach is about investing in industries of the future, and infrastructure for those industries, and training our people. Well, it should be no secret that the State of Queensland is setting the economic pace for Australia as we enter the new century.