British and other international investors and collaborators with interests in Queensland joined Queensland Day celebrations at Australia House in London overnight.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick MP represented Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at the reception hosted by Queensland's Agent-General Linda Apelt.
The 350-strong crowd included Australian High Commissioner His Excellency George Brandis QC and Secretary-General of The Commonwealth The Right Honourable Patricia Scotland.
"The best thing about Queensland is that it's the home of Queenslanders who, because of the natural disasters that are on occasion visited upon us, are among the most resilient and resourceful people in the world," Mr Dick told the reception.
"They are qualities that have infused our business community – signifiers of the adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit that are the defining elements of the Queensland character and, by extension, the Queensland economy."
"In 2019 we continue to connect with the United Kingdom and the rest of the world through a record level of trade and investment, and are establishing our leading position in the global innovation race."
Mr Dick said the founders of 16 Queensland startups, half of them women, would be in London next week to explore opportunities within the UK's £184 billion technology sector as part of London Tech Week (10-14 June).
"Queensland Chief Entrepreneur Leanne Kemp is a great example of a Queensland startup founder doing big things in the UK," Mr Dick said.
"She has been splitting her time between Brisbane and London to develop her global blockchain technology enterprise company Everledger.
"With the support of Trade and Investment Queensland's Europe office and the backing of our government's Advance Queensland initiative, our talented entrepreneurs are making their mark in the UK and our state is attracting more investors, collaborators, students and tourists from Europe.
"That is a great cause for celebration this Queensland Day."
Mr Dick's UK visit is part of a six-day overseas mission including Japan and Germany.
