- Career trade and investment professional Ross Buchanan appointed Queensland’s next Agent-General
- Mr Buchanan to spearhead trade and investment opportunities in the UK, Northern Ireland and Europe
Trade and investment expert Ross Buchanan has been appointed Queensland’s next Agent-General for the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland and Senior Trade Commissioner for Europe.
Mr Buchanan has more than 20 years of experience working in trade, industry and investment projects, most recently as the Global Investment Commissioner of Trade and Investment Queensland.
He has held a wide range of positions in his career including previously as the Deputy Commissioner (UK and Europe), and Queensland’s Trade and Investment Commissioner in Japan.
A lawyer by training, he worked for an international law firm in Tokyo for almost three years, undertaking international commercial, legal and business transactions.
In his new role Mr Buchanan will be based in the UK and will oversee strategic trade policy and planning for the United Kingdom and Europe.
The role also involves identifying opportunities within the United Kingdom and Europe for Queensland businesses, improving trade relationships, helping Queensland businesses meet with potential European clients and investors, and capitalizing on investment opportunities.
Mr Buchanan, a highly credential professional, takes over from Mr Dave Stewart who held the position since 2021.
Mr Stewart will step down as Agent-General at the end of June.
As stated by the Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment:
“Ross Buchanan is an outstanding leader who has years of experience delivering outcomes for government, business and industry. During his time in government Mr Buchanan has supported our government’s drive to grow and diversify Queensland’s economy.
“I know Mr Buchanan will do an outstanding job supporting our government’s trade agenda in the United Kingdom and Europe.
“I know his prowess for leveraging partnerships and investments and his ability to commercialise local knowledge and traditional strengths will be a huge benefit for Queensland in his new role.
“I also want to thank Mr Stewart for his distinguished service.
“During his time as Agent-General, Mr Stewart furthered Queensland’s interests in the region including implementing the decision of our government to expand TIQ’s network into Europe by opening an office in Frankfurt, which has resulted in increased opportunities for Queensland businesses in Germany, France, Spain and Denmark.
“Mr Stewart has also helped drive our government’s ambition to become a globally-recognised clean, renewable energy and green hydrogen producer, by positioning Queensland as a trusted partner, particularly in Europe.
“In the United Kingdom, he expanded access to this market for Queensland’s technology and innovation companies, and has ensured Queensland food and beverage exporters have been able to take advantage of the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement.”
