As excitement builds towards the start of World Expo 2025 Osaka in two months, Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates has reinforced the importance of the event in showcasing Queensland to the world.
Minister Bates, Japan Consul General Brisbane Ishikawa Katsutoshi, Trade and Investment Queensland CEO Justin McGowan and Olympic gold medallist Natalie Cook visited South Bank, the site of Expo 88 that still holds a special place in the heart of Queenslanders.
They were joined by World Expo 2025 Osaka mascot MYAKU-MYAKU, which is in the country to attend the launch in Canberra of Australia’s Expo participation.
About 28 million people are expected to visit Japan for World Expo 2025 Osaka, which begins on 13 April 2025.
World Expo ready: Trade and Investment Queensland CEO Justin McGowan, Olympic gold medallist Natalie Cook, Japan Consul General Brisbane Ishikawa Katsutoshi, and Expo 88 superfan
John McGregor at South Bank
Queensland's six-month program to elevate trade opportunities
As a gold partner of the Australia Pavilion, Queensland is preparing a six-month program to elevate the state’s vast export and investment opportunities on the world stage.
Minister Bates said Expo 88 remained ingrained in Australian memories and was fondly recalled by many Queenslanders and visitors alike.
“Expo 88 was an exceptional experience for Australians, international visitors, and especially for Queenslanders. A great sense of pride remains, and it lives on through our iconic South Bank Parklands,” Minister Bates said.
“Brisbane is one of only two Australian cities to have hosted an Expo – something we are rightly proud of.
“Now, World Expo 2025 Osaka presents a valuable opportunity to leverage relationships, build new ones, and showcase Queensland to almost 160 exhibiting nations and millions of visitors.
“The world came to Queensland in 1988, and now we’re taking Queensland to the world in Japan, our state’s long-time friend and second-largest trading partner.”
Queensland’s priority sectors at World Expo focus on tourism, innovation, food and agribusiness, international education and resources, and the state’s participation is a key lead initiative to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The events and networking opportunities at the event will provide trade, cultural and relationship outcomes for Queensland for years to come.
Learn about how Queensland is supporting World Expo 2025 Osaka.
About Trade and Investment Queensland
If your business is ready to unlock global markets, you can learn more about your future export success through TIQ.
Whether you are an experienced exporter looking to expand your global footprint or a new exporter starting your journey, TIQ can help you scale your business internationally.
Is your business ready to unlock global markets? Learn more about your future export success through TIQ.
Whether you are an experienced exporter looking to expand your global footprint or a new exporter starting your journey, TIQ can help you scale your business internationally.