The Redlands’ relationship with important trade and investment partners in the Asia-Pacific has strengthened and Redland City Mayor Karen Williams will build on these ties at the 2015 Asia Pacific Cities Summit & Mayor’s Forum in Brisbane from this weekend.
The summit, held from Sunday to Wednesday, is expected to attract more than 1,000 delegates from more than 100 Asian cities and will provide South East Queensland mayors with a platform to discuss opportunities and challenges for cities and economies across the Asia-Pacific region.
“This is a great opportunity for our City to further its standing with senior Asian diplomats and attract future trade and investment to our region,” Cr Williams said.
“I have worked hard since being elected mayor to advocate on behalf of our city to our Asian neighbours.
“The Asia-Pacific will become home to most of the world’s middle class this century and with this rising market comes great tourism, education and trade opportunities for our area.
“This is why in 2013 I travelled to Taiwan to speak at the eighth Asia Pacific Cities Summit in Kaohsiung and later that year jointed the then Premier Campbell Newman to meet delegates in Japan.
“And just last week I hosted senior diplomats from China, including Consul General of the People’s Republic of China Dr. Zhao Yongchen, on a tour of the Redlands.
“The 2015 Asia pacific Cities Summit & Mayor’s Forum is a vital opportunity to showcase the Redlands and secure the investment we need to deliver more business opportunities and more local jobs in the future.
“I will be flying the flag for the Redlands with gusto.”
Cr Williams said the Redlands has much to offer that other Australian localities cannot rival.
“Being just 35 minutes from Brisbane – the third largest city in Australia – the Redlands boasts easy access to the Port of Brisbane and international airports at Brisbane and the Gold Coast,” she said.
“We also have some of South East Queensland’s best tourism drawcards: the stunning beaches and culture of North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Bay and the Bay islands.
“And there are enormous opportunities for mixed-use development at our priority development areas of Toondah Harbour at Cleveland and Weinam Creek at Redland Bay.”
The 2015 Asia pacific Cities Summit & Mayor’s Forum has the theme of Business and Leadership in the Asia Pacific and will feature world-renowned speakers, presentations, a trade market square exhibition, and case studies that showcase the new wave of innovation and global development.
A total of 74 mayors are attending the summit, who are collectively responsible for governing 122 million citizens from across the Asia Pacific and beyond.
For more information visit http://www.apcsummit.org/