AUSTRALASIA - The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has been announced as the official venue for the G20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane, in November 2014.

The G20 Summit is the world’s premier forum for global economic co-operation and decision-making, bringing together leaders and finance ministers from countries which account for more than 85 per cent of global economic output.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said Brisbane was the ‘stand out city’ to host the leaders of the world’s biggest economies.

“Brisbane is a snapshot of our economy and the city’s logistics are excellent” the Prime Minister said in her announcement, citing the “world-class” facilities of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Brisbane Airport as major factors in the selection process.

With trade and labour conferences to precede the G20 conference, 7,000 people are expected to attend including 3,000 accredited media.

Joining the international leaders will be key officials from the United Nations, the World Bank, the World Trade Organisation and the International Monetary Fund.

An independent study of the Seoul G20 in 2010 found South Korea enjoyed economic benefits of US$20bn including new infrastructure, accommodation, global tourism promotions and awareness, as well as additional conferences being booked before and after the Summit.

BCEC General Manager, Bob O’Keeffe said the hosting of the G20 Leaders Summit would place Brisbane at the centre of world events.

“This is a unique opportunity to showcase Brisbane’s credentials as an international business destination as well as the world class facilities of the convention centre and the city’s infrastructure.”

The Russian city of St Petersburg will host the G20 in 2013.

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