- Queensland Government renews long standing partnership with Brazilian state Minas Gerais.
- The relationship has been pivotal in achieving trade and investment outcomes for Queensland companies in Latin America.
- The renewed Memorandum of Understanding will see both states explore emerging areas of opportunity.
Queensland is set to build on its already productive relationship with Brazilian state Minas Gerais, with Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Cameron Dick officially renewing the partnership during his Trade Mission to Latin America.
The Treasurer signed the third iteration of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two states, first established in 2011.
Minas Gerais is at the heart of the Brazilian mining sector as a large producer of bauxite, iron, gold and zinc and has proven to be a significant market for Queensland businesses in the mining, equipment, technology and services (METS) sector.
One of Queensland’s largest METS exporter, Phibion, bases its Brazilian operations in Minas Gerais and recently secured its largest contract to date in the country.
The renewed MOU agrees to continue the work in the resources and agriculture sectors, and also encourage further collaborative opportunities in emerging areas including education, collaborative research, infrastructure, mining equipment, technology and services, clean energy and environmental management.
Quotes attributable to the Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Cameron Dick:
“Queensland is proving itself to be a world leader in the mining equipment, technology and services sector, so this MoU is of immense benefit,” he said.
“Our states have collaborated for 11 years to unearth opportunities in the mining sector and Queensland highly values our information exchanges with Minas Gerais.
“We each have a lot to offer the other and we look forward to continuing our work together in existing and emerging areas of mutual benefit.”
Fast facts:
- Minas Gerais is a state in South-East Brazil, ranking second in population and third in Gross Domestic Product.
- Minas Gerais main exports include mineral products, metals, agriculture, and precious metals, while the state is also a leader in providing for agricultural and education services.
- The University of Queensland Sustainable Minerals Institute in Brazil is currently conducting the Minas Rio site survey project in Minas Gerais.
- Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) assists exporters and attracts investment. The dedicated business agency has 18 overseas offices in 14 key markets (including Latin America), and a Queensland regional network.
