International opportunities
Make business and trade connections on a global scale. Learn how you can benefit from our international business programs.

Discover how you can build your global network and gain insights into overseas markets.
Our international business programs aim to improve international opportunities for Brisbane-based businesses. They include:
- business and trade missions
- international delegations
- Pop-up consulate service
- Sister City network and key global regions
- International Internship Program
- Asia Pacific Cities Summit & Mayors’ Forumopens in a new tab.
Business and trade missions
Join the Lord Mayor or Deputy Mayor and delegates from Brisbane’s business community on visits to our Sister Cities and key global regions.
Business and trade missions support businesses to explore new opportunities overseas, make global connections and foster trade relationships.
Business missions include:
- pre-departure briefing
- customised support from Council’s International Relations and Multicultural Affairs team
- a business program including introductory meetings with carefully selected international businesses
- commercial networking functions
- ongoing post-mission follow-up and support.
Network with strategic partners
During business missions, delegates can meet with key industry and government officials, such as:
- Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA)
- Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ)
- Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
- Chambers of commerce and industry
- foreign embassies and consulates
- Sister City governments and business organisations.
More information
For more information about business missions, contact Council’s International Relations and Multicultural Affairs team:
- by emailing Council
- by phoning 07 3403 8888.
Visiting international delegations
We regularly welcome international delegations and study visits consisting of government representatives, businesspeople and academics who want to learn about Brisbane and Brisbane City Council.
Council’s International Relations and Multicultural Affairs branch can help visiting delegations to:
- meet Council representatives
- learn and exchange information on best practices through presentations, discussions, site visits, networking events and individual meetings.
The International Relations and Multicultural Affairs Unit also receives requests for courtesy calls with Council’s elected representatives, primarily the Lord Mayor or his elected representative. Courtesy calls are brief introductory meetings with international visiting dignitaries, such as members of the diplomatic and consular corps, international Mayors, or similar.
Request a visit to Council
You can request an official visit to Council by using our online form. You’ll need to provide:
- the number of delegates in your group
- the reason for your visit
- the subjects you want to learn about
- key questions for discussion
- your travel information, including the preferred visit date and other Australian cities you’re visiting.
Council charges a fee to arrange visits and presentations to international delegations. Visits to Council are arranged in hour blocks (e.g. 1 hour, 2 hours). Charges are applied based on the length of visit and group size.
After submitting your request, you'll receive a Terms and Conditions form, including assocated fees, to sign and return to Council.
We will contact you about your request within 5 business days.
Pop-up consulate service
Council offers temporary office space in Brisbane City Hall to foreign consulates and embassies for consular and passport services for South East Queensland residents and visitors.
This pop-up service is suitable for foreign consulates and embassies that do not have a permanent office in Brisbane. Pop-up consulates can be held for several days at a time.
To enquire about using Pop-up consulate service, complete our online formopens in a new tab.
To complete the form, you’ll need the following information:
- dates for your proposed visit
- how many appointments you anticipate hosting.
After submitting your request, International Relations and Multicultural Affairs team will be in touch to let you know the outcome of your request.
For more information email Council.
For any other queries related to consular services, contact your local consulate or embassy. Check the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website for details on foreign embassies and consulates in Australiaopens in a new tab.
Brisbane Sister Cities
Council works closely with local and international agencies and organisations to leverage our Sister City relationships to maximise the best possible business outcomes.
By working strategically with all levels of government, business and other industry bodies in Brisbane and around the world, we negotiate real economic outcomes for Brisbane residents and businesses.
Brisbane Sister Cities Steering Committee
The Brisbane Sister Cities Steering Committee oversees Brisbane’s Sister City Program.
The committee is made up of a representative from each of the 9 sister cities, appointed by the Lord Mayor.
Each representative volunteers to enables business and trade opportunities and enhances relationships for Brisbane's local businesses.
Connecting Brisbane with the world
Sister City relationships foster international collaboration.
- Encourage cultural understanding
- Generate trade and investment opportunities
- Enhance economic activities
- Foster educational, sporting and social exchanges
Brisbane businesses can leverage our Sister City network to make connections in the Asia Pacific Region and Middle East.
Our International Relations and Multicultural Affairs team can help connect your business with contacts in Sister Cities and key global regions.
To get in touch with the team:
- phone 07 3403 8888
- email Council
- send mail to:
International Relations and Multicultural Affairs
GPO Box 2287
Brisbane Qld 4001
International Internship Program
Brisbane businesses can connect with talented domestic tertiary students with multicultural backgrounds and international tertiary students from our Sister Cities studying in Brisbane through the International Internship Program.
The program involves hosting an intern for 4 weeks with Council subsidising 50% of the wage cost. We’ll also identify and match the best applicant for your business.
The program is a win-win for both businesses and students.
The 2025 program is taking place from Monday 14 April to Friday 9 May.
Apply for an internship
Student applications have closed for the 2025 International Internship Program.
More information
For more information about the International Internship Program, contact Council’s International Relations and Multicultural Affairs team:
- by emailing Council
- by phoning 07 3403 8888.