International business

Brisbane City Council is committed to advancing Brisbane’s place in the Asia Pacific region and beyond. Council’s international business programs aim to improve the economic benefits and opportunities for Brisbane-based businesses by:

  • strengthening sister city relationships throughout the Asia Pacific and the Middle East
  • facilitating business and trade connections for Brisbane organisations with international markets
  • supporting local businesses to achieve successful outcomes through our sister city networks
  • co-ordinating inbound international delegations and outbound business missions to overseas markets.

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Council works closely with local and international agencies and organisations to leverage our sister city relationships to maximise the best possible business outcomes for Brisbane residents and businesses. 

Council is committed to supporting businesses to continue to grow in both domestic and international markets. The International Internship Program provides support for host businesses through the skills and knowledge of domestic students with multicultural backgrounds and international students from Brisbane's sister cities.

The Lord Mayor leads delegations from the Brisbane business community to strategic trade regions to develop and strengthen business ties. Council's business missions have a reputation for opening the doors to new markets and enabling businesses to explore potential opportunities within our networks.

The Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) and Mayors' Forum is one of the region's premier summits, attracting a significant number of business and civic leaders. Initiated by Brisbane City Council over 25 years ago, the APCS provides an interactive platform for participants to connect, exchange knowledge, hear from world renowned leaders and identify potential civic, cultural and business opportunities. 

International delegations - opportunities to connect with Council

Brisbane regularly welcomes visiting inbound international delegations and study visits consisting of government representatives, business people and academics to connect with Council. Council’s International Relations and Multicultural Affairs Branch facilitates requests from visiting delegations to:

  • meet with Council representatives 
  • arrange programs
  • learn and exchange information on best practices through presentations, discussions, roundtable meetings, networking events and individual meetings.

Council charges a fee to arrange visits and presentations to international delegations.

Request to visit Council

If you would like to meet with representatives from Council and Brisbane organisations, complete our online form.

To complete the form, you’ll need the following information:

  • 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.

After submitting your request, you will receive a terms and conditions form. Sign and return the terms and conditions form, and you will be contacted about your request within five business days.

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.

You will need to provide your own interpreter (if required) for a Council visit.

Pop-up consulate service

Brisbane City Council offers temporary office space in Brisbane City Hall to foreign consulates and embassies, allowing consular and passport services to be provided at the convenience for Brisbane and Southeast Queensland residents.

This pop-up consulate service is designed for foreign consulates and embassies that do not have a permanent office in Brisbane, and it can be held in Brisbane City Hall for several days at a time.

We encourage you to contact your local consulate or embassy for any queries related to consular services. For more details on foreign embassies and consulates in Australia, refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

If you are interested in using Brisbane City Hall for your own pop-up consulate, email internationalrelations@brisbane.qld.gov.au

More information

If you require further information, contact Council’s International Relations and Multicultural Affairs branch at internationalrelations@brisbane.qld.gov.au or on 07 3403 8888.

Subscribe to receive updates

To receive email updates on international programs and events, email internationalrelations@brisbane.qld.gov.au 

Language support

Council’s entire website can be translated into 100+ languages for members of our multicultural communities. You may select your preferred language from the 'select language' dropdown in the footer if you would like to use the translation feature.

If you wish to speak to Council and need an interpreter, visit our translating and interpreting service page.

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Brisbane City Council acknowledges this Country and its Traditional Custodians. We pay our respects to the Elders, those who have passed into the Dreaming; those here today; those of tomorrow.