A new trade and investment mentor will advise Queensland councils on how to take advantage of opportunities for their communities to encourage greater business links with overseas firms.
The Local Government Association of Queensland has appointed former Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner to North America David Camerlengo to the role, created as part of a new push by the LGAQ and Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ) to bolster the capacity of councils to attract international investment to their regions.
LGAQ chief executive Greg Hallam said Mr Camerlengo would provide councils with insight into good strategies to attract investment from overseas.
“David has a wealth of experience in ensuring international investors understand the best of what Queensland has to offer from mining and agricultural technology to education,” Mr Hallam said.
“We are thrilled that councils can tap into that experience as a means of assisting their communities to export their innovation and know-how to the rest of the world.
TIQ CEO Virginia Greville congratulated Mr Camerlengo on his appointment.
“TIQ and the LGAQ share a common vision to help more regional businesses into overseas markets and to attract quality foreign direct investment,” Ms Greville said. “David’s background with TIQ means he has the understanding and experience to help us achieve that goal.
“TIQ looks forward to working closely with David and LGAQ to promote trade and investment opportunities in Queensland and internationally.”
David Camerlengo served as Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner North America from 2013-2018. He has been a board member of the Australian-American Chamber of Commerce since 2014.