- The Crisafulli Government is restoring Queensland's global reputation after years of Labor neglect and missed opportunities.
- Landmark aerospace deal and new education partnerships prove Queensland is back in business.
- Backed by a real strategy – this mission delivers jobs, investment, and long-term growth for Queenslanders.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its promise to restore Queensland's global reputation for excellence, innovation, and economic leadership, with the state's largest-ever education and research trade mission securing major outcomes in Japan and Taiwan.
After years of Labor neglect, missed opportunities, and international disengagement, Queensland is once again being recognised as a serious player in global education, research, and advanced manufacturing.
The week-long mission included 37 delegates from Queensland's education, training and research sectors, showcasing the state's world-class institutions and collaborative research culture to two of our most important international education markets.
The delegation also represented Queensland at the Australia Pavilion at World Expo 2025 Osaka, strengthening ties with alumni, education partners, and Japanese government representatives.
A highlight of the mission was a landmark aerospace agreement between Brisbane-based Stralis Aircraft and two of Japan's top universities - a deal that positions Queensland as a global leader in aviation and advanced manufacturing.
The Japanese leg of the mission was underpinned by the newly released Queensland–Japan Trade and Investment Strategy 2025–2028, a clear roadmap for deepening ties with one of our most critical regional partners, something the former Labor government failed to deliver.
International education now contributes $6.85 billion to Queensland's economy and supports more than 30,000 jobs - a sector the Crisafulli Government is actively supporting through strategic engagement and targeted investment.
This mission also created new opportunities for regional education providers, making sure the benefits of international engagement are felt across the state, not just in the southeast.
Key outcomes included:
- Advanced new student mobility programs, joint research initiatives, and exchange agreements with top Japanese and Taiwanese institutions.
- Hosted a biotech roundtable in Taiwan, unlocking new opportunities in clinical trials, immunotherapy, and medtech commercialisation.
- Connected regional Queensland providers with education agents in Taipei and Tokyo to boost enrolments and regional economic growth.
- Showcased Queensland's immersive learning model at Tokyo Global Gateway, where Japanese students experience Queensland-style classrooms.
- Reaffirmed partnerships with leading universities, schools, and government agencies across both markets.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the mission marked a turning point for Queensland's international engagement.
"Queensland is open for learning, open for business, and open to the world. We're delivering the global partnerships Labor only ever talked about," said Minister Bates.
"International students enrich our communities and drive our economy. Under the former Labor government, this sector was neglected – we're bringing it back stronger than ever.
"Labor talked about innovation but never backed it. We're doing the hard work to turn Queensland ideas into global industries.
"After years of Labor's drift and delay, we're rebuilding Queensland's international standing and delivering real results."
