Next month’s Future of Tropical Economies Conference (FTEC) is shaping up as the perfect precursor to the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, with a line-up of high quality speakers confirmed for the event.  

The conference, presented by Cairns Regional Council in partnership with James Cook University, will explore the economic challenges and opportunities that exist within the world’s tropical zone, with an emphasis on Australia’s tropical regions.

The event is attracting international interest, with delegates and representatives from the world’s major tropical areas indicating their attendance.

Mayor Bob Manning said the event provided an ideal opportunity to showcase Cairns and the Tropical North Queensland region at a time when the international spotlight will be on the G20 event and the city.

“We know how special this region is and we are aware of the tremendous opportunities that are available to us, but we must always be open to new ideas and initiatives that can guide our future direction,” he said.

Queensland Treasurer Tim Nicholls will open the conference on Thursday 18 September.

“There’s no doubt that the Queensland Government has faced many challenges in bringing down its past two budgets,” Cr Manning said.

“Mr Nicholls knows all too well the balancing act of dealing with large-scale economies and the need to consider social and environmental impacts at every turn. Tropical economies everywhere are facing these same challenges.”

Cr Manning said the conference would be moderated by respected journalist and presenter Kerry O’Brien and had attracted a high quality list of speakers, each an expert in their field.

The list of speakers includes:

• Phil Ruthven AM – founder of market research and analysis agency IBISWorld

• Dr Ian Poiner – Former CEO Australian Institute of Marine Sciences

• Professor Bill Laurance – Professor and Australian Laureate – School of Marine and Tropical Biology, JCU

• Professor Jason Pomeroy – Eco Architect, Pomeroy Studio, Singapore

• Warren Mundine – Chairman of the Indigenous Advisory Council to the Australian Government 

• Professor Ngiare Brown – Professor of Indigenous Health and Education, University of Wollongong

• Professor Graeme Hugo – Professor of Geography and Director of Australian Population and Migration Research Centre, University of Adelaide

• Huw McKay – Executive Director Westpac Banking Corporation

• Hon Keith de Lacy – Former Queensland Treasurer and Chairman of Integrated Food and Energy Developments

James Cook University Vice Chancellor Sandra Harding will also provide an update on the State of the Tropics Report, launched by Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi on 29 June.

The Future of Tropical Economies Conference will be held at the Cairns Institute, James Cook University Cairns, on 18-19 September. Expressions of Interest for the conference remain open and can be lodged via the conference website. Places are limited.

Sponsorship opportunities remain available with a prospectus located on the conference website.

For more information on the Future of Tropical Economies Conference, including the full program with speaker topics visit:  www.futureoftropicaleconomies.com