The dust has settled at the Mackay Showgrounds after another successful Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition.
While crowds were smaller than they have been in previous years, thousands of attendees walked through the doors, shining a light of positivity over the mining industry.
Among the hundreds of rows of stands was a significant number of Chinese exhibitors.
Chairman of Chinese manufacturing company Zhu Zhou Mingri Cemented Carbide, Jack Yuan, travelled all the way from China.
“We want to study about the market in Australia, and see what we can do in this market,” Mr Yuan said.
“In recent years, the mining industry of Australia is in some extents influenced by the economy, and maybe we think, it needs some new strength to join in this market.
“We think this market needs some new technology and new products to make it more active.”
Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said he noticed an increase of Chinese exhibitors at this year’s event, compared to other events.
“It may just be they are filling a void here of local exhibitors that have not decided to turn up because they know the state of the market at the moment,” he said.
Mr Christensen said while it was clear the expo had suffered in the midst of the downturn, local businesses have started to find the “equilibrium”.
“They are starting to get used to what’s been described as the ‘new normal’ and in finding opportunities within that,” he said.
“Obviously the prospects of the Galilee Basin opening up are at the top of mind for everyone. And if we can strip some of the obstacles out of the way, mainly the green movement, we can get going and create more opportunities out of that.
“We are certainly down on the previous QME events I’ve been to in terms of exhibitors and attendees. Just speaking to a few of the local exhibitors though, they are saying that people are lingering longer and asking questions – which is a good sign.”
Exhibition director Robby Clark said QME generated significant interest from the thousands of visitors.
“Initial feedback indicates that significant interest was produced over the three days of the event and many exhibitors commenting on the great value of the visitors who attended this year.” Mr Clark said.
“The feedback we have been receiving from exhibitors is that they have been making the kinds of business connections they had been hopping for, while visitors attending also offered strong value in terms of new business.”
Image: Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry MP and Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen MP.
Add Comment