Mayor Jack Dempsey has hailed the European Union’s official visit to Bundaberg today as “the most significant diplomatic and trade mission” in the region’s history.
The Mayor invited the European Union Ambassador to Australia, Dr Michael Pulch, to visit as part of his push to ignite overseas trade links for Bundaberg Region producers, manufacturers and entrepreneurs.
Dr Pulch arrived this morning with 15 Ambassadors and one High Commissioner from European Union member nations.
It's understood to be the largest-ever European delegation to visit anywhere in regional Australia.
“It’s an incredible honour and privilege to welcome and host the representatives of so many countries at one time in our community,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“Many Bundaberg Region residents have family ties to the European Union.
“Some Bundaberg Region businesses have commercial ties to Europe and much of our produce is exported there.
“Our invitation and this breakthrough visit is all about creating opportunities and letting the world know what the Bundaberg Region has to offer.”
Mayor Dempsey said the European delegation follows other successful visits by the representatives of countries including the United Kingdom, China and India.
The Heads of Mission will visit farming and manufacturing operations.
“We’ll be informing them about the Bundaberg Region’s unique growing capabilities, reliable water supply and all-year production reliability,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“The Queensland Government joined us in hosting this visit after learning of the Ambassador’s interest in accepting our invitation.
“His Excellency and the Heads of Mission will be travelling to Brisbane after leaving Bundaberg as part of their official visit to Queensland.”
European Union Heads of Mission visiting Bundaberg:
| Belgium | H.E. Mr Marc Mullie |
| Croatia | H.E. Betty Pavelich Sirois |
| Cyprus | H.E. Mrs Martha Mavrommati (High Commissioner) |
| Denmark | H.E. Mr Tom Helge NØrring |
| Estonia | H.E. Ms Kersti Eesmaa |
| Finland | H.E. Mr Lars Backström |
| Germany | H.E. Dr Thomas Fitschen |
| Ireland | H.E. Mr Breandán Ó Caollaí |
| Italy | H.E. Mrs Francesca Tardioli |
| Poland | H.E. Mr Michał Kołodziejski |
| Portugal | H.E. Mr Pedro Rodrigues da Silva |
| Romania | H.E Mrs Nineta Barbulescu |
| Slovak Republic | H.E. Mr Tomáš FERKO |
| Slovenia | H.E. Mr Jurij Rifelj |
| Spain | H.E. Mr ManuelCacho Quesada |
| Sweden | H.E. Mr Henrik Cederin |
| European Union | H.E. Dr Michael Pulch |
- Other news: India High Commissioner visits Bundaberg
- Taste of Bundaberg for European Union Ambassadors
