Health a Games winner

HEALTH innovation has been the first sector out of the stocks in the race to score points for business from next year’s Commonwealth Games.

The Queensland Health Export and Investment Advisory Council has convened on the Gold Coast, ahead of a networking event for more than 40 companies from the health and medical sectors. The event at Griffith University seeks to connect researchers, the health sector, business and government.

Health and knowledge is one of four key sectors targeted by an intensifying tri-government program, Trade 2018, that aims to use the Games as a catalyst for investment and business on the Gold Coast and more widely across Queensland and Australia.

The other three sectors are Food and Agribusiness, International Education and Training, and the Business of Sport.

Seven Commonwealth countries have been identified as priority markets, with offshore events planned for the United Kingdom, India, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in the lead-up to the Games.

The program will culminate during the event, with highlevel meetings for potential buyers and investors to explore commercial opportunities as part of an exclusive program of VIP receptions, networking activities and Commonwealth trade events.

Among the companies at this week’s event is listed health technologies group Admedus.

The company’s vice president of emerging markets Danny Zanardo said the connection formed in these events were invaluable.

“These events are a fantastic opportunity for local leaders in medical technology and innovation to build productive relationships that support the development of new solutions and improved patient outcomes,” he said.

“Queensland has a lot to offer in this space and Admedus is pleased to collaborate with the Council and Minister for Health to showcase this expertise.”

Health Minister Cameron Dick said the skills of Queensland innovators was in worldwide demand. “The export of health knowledge and health services is the next frontier in the development of Queensland, and we know our health industries are uniquely placed to capitalise on the export of services to the Asia Pacific region and beyond,” he said.