Brisbane A-listers and business leaders have backed a new weapon to sell the city on a global stage in a bid to attract multi-million-dollar investment, business opportunities and major events for the future.
The Brisbane Brief has been developed by Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), in consultation with over 150 local industry leaders, highlighting the city’s unique strengths, to support local businesses, industry and global partners on international trade missions and investment pitches.
The document showcases a city that’s “alive with opportunity”, with a fast-growing population, $14 billion infrastructure pipeline, direct access to Asian export markets and unrivalled natural assets and liveability attracting record levels of migration.
The launch has been supported by local icons and business heavy weights including Queensland Ballet director Li Cunxin, Chairman and CEO of ASM Global (Asia Pacific) Harvey Lister AM, eminent jewellery designer Margot McKinney and global sport tech success story VALD co-founder Sam James who star in a video being developed as part of the toolkit.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said there has never been a greater opportunity to supercharge Brisbane’s economic growth as the city enters a golden era of opportunity over the next decade.
“Brisbane is a city that just keeps getting better and the Brisbane Brief will help the rest of the world discover the incredible opportunities we have on offer,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Whether a Brisbane business is big or small, established or just starting out, they will be able to use the Brisbane Brief to sell our city to potential investors and customers.
“Brisbane is already recognised as one of the world’s top innovation cities with an economy poised to grow to $239 billion by 2041.
“We also have world-class universities, more than 100 health and biotech institutions and a visitor economy expected to generate an additional $6.5 billion per annum by 2031.
“All these factors, coupled with our strong record for getting things done and our unmatched lifestyle, gives Brisbane a distinctive global appeal as we forge our path on the green and gold runway.”
Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) Chief Executive Officer Anthony Ryan said collaboration with businesses and institutions across the city’s economic landscape was vital to take Brisbane to the next level.
"Part of Brisbane’s momentum is the genuinely collaborative nature of our commercial culture, with the adage that if one succeeds, we all win,’ Mr Ryan.
“Global companies are telling us they see Brisbane as Australia’s rising star and they’re keen to explore new opportunities to expand or invest and the Brisbane Brief giveslocal industry a sales pitch for the city.
“Over the next 12 months we’ll be targeting key markets in Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Europe and the United States to strike while the iron is hot to make Brisbane the top choice for new investment, while also fast tracking the global readiness of local companies for international success.”
Brisbane’s economic momentum is also being fuelled by infrastructure development, attracting new investment and destination appeal with city shaping projects such as Waterfront Place.
Property investor Dexus, which is behind the $2.1 billion redevelopment on Eagle Street Pier and Waterfront Place, said the Brisbane economy was diversifying with stronger international links.
“The Brisbane Brief showcases how the city is growing and its economy is diversifying, with stronger international links driving optimism and investment,” Matthew Beasley, Dexus Project Director, Waterfront Brisbane said.
“Investment in city-shaping projects like Waterfront Brisbane is based on Dexus’ confidence in Brisbane’s growth and will transform the city’s premium business district, with flow on effects to the local economy and local businesses.”