REAM 2023

CITBA Regional Economist Annual Meeting (REAM)

The CITBA Regional Economist Annual Meeting (REAM) is a distinguished gathering curated by the Centre for International Trade and Business in Asia (CITBA) at James Cook University. This annual event serves as a crucial platform, bringing together leading minds in economics to drive sustainable economic growth and promote decent work across the region, in alignment with the principles of SDG 8.

A Confluence of Minds for Regional Progress: At REAM, government officials, academic leaders, and independent practitioners come together to address the pressing economic challenges of our time. Recognizing the vital role of economics in shaping a future that fosters inclusive growth and decent employment, this meeting facilitates collaborative strategies aimed at ensuring economic prosperity for all. The CITBA Regional Economist Annual Meeting is where influential voices harmonize to chart a path toward a resilient and sustainable regional economy.

Aligned with the University's Strategic Intent: The CITBA Regional Economist Annual Meeting underscores the University’s dedication to fostering collaboration that drives sustainable regional progress. By aligning with the strategic intent of promoting externally recognized research strength, CITBA contributes to the global agenda of achieving decent work and economic growth, ensuring that the outcomes of this meeting have a lasting and positive impact on our region.

Promoting External Focus and Research Strength: This gathering is a beacon for researchers, government officials, and industry leaders, providing a platform for dialogue that extends beyond academia. By facilitating comprehensive discussions and fostering partnerships, CITBA reinforces its commitment to advancing research and policies that support sustainable economic growth, employment opportunities, and improved living standards in the region.

The CITBA Regional Economist Annual Meeting is more than just a tradition; it is a commitment to making a tangible impact on the economic well-being of our region. Through collaboration and shared vision, REAM propels collective efforts toward achieving the goals of SDG 8, ensuring economic resilience, decent work, and sustainable growth for all.

  • Date: Friday, 8th December
  • Time: 10 AM - 1 PM
  • Location: JCU Smithfield Nguma-bada Campus
  • Refreshments: Provided

This annual meeting transcends traditional networking; it serves as a dynamic forum where participants actively engage in discussions, deliberations, and the formulation of collaborative ventures aimed at driving sustainable development. As a participant affiliated with JCU, a government official, or an independent practitioner, your unique insights play a crucial role in our collective effort to foster sustainable economic growth, promote environmental stewardship, and enhance social well-being across the region. Together, we are committed to shaping a future where economic prosperity and sustainability go hand in hand, ensuring that our region thrives not only today but for generations to come.

Distinguished individuals from various sectors, including but not limited to:

  • Mr. Bill Cummings, Principal Cumming Economics
  • Mr. Ian McKridy, Manager, Regional Economic Development North, Dept of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water
  • Mr. Angelo Finocchiaro, Executive Manager Economic Development Tablelands Regional Council
  • Mr. Samuel Doyle-Wiaczek, Program Leader Economic Development Cairns Regional Council
  • Dr. Thomas Bristow, former Research Development and Partnerships Advisor
  • A/Prof Josephine Pryce, Head, Management, Governance and Tourism
  • Ms. Diana Castorina, Lecturer Economics, Economics & Marketing
  • Prof Hurriyet Babacan, Professorial Research Fellow, Professor of Economics, The Cairns Institute
  • Dr. Diane Jarvis, Senior Lecturer, CBLG, JCU
  • A/Prof Taha Chaiechi, Head, Economics and Marketing, CBLG, JCU & Australia Director for Centre for International Trade and Business in Asia (CITBA)

Agenda Highlights:

  1. Networking and Welcome Reception:
    • Facilitate connections among participants from diverse sectors.
    • Create an inclusive atmosphere fostering open dialogue.
  2. Interactive Sessions on Regional Economic Trends:
    • Dive into the current economic landscape of our region.
    • Discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping our economic future.
  3. Exploring Collaborative Ventures and Research Opportunities:
    • Foster partnerships between academia and government bodies.
    • Identify areas for collaborative research projects.
  4. Informal Discussions and Knowledge Exchange:
    • Provide a platform for casual, yet impactful, conversations.
    • Encourage the exchange of ideas and insights among participants.

The inaugural CITBA Regional Economist Meetup in 2023 marked a significant milestone in shaping the sustainable economic discourse of our region. Delegates, comprising esteemed members from academia, government, and independent sectors, convened in a collaborative spirit that went beyond traditional networking boundaries. The meeting emerged as a robust platform for comprehensive discussions, fostering deep thinking and analysis of our evolving economic landscape with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

Delegates engaged in insightful dialogues, leveraging their diverse expertise to delve into the intricacies of regional economic trends, challenges, and opportunities, particularly in the context of sustainable development. A key outcome of the meeting was the formulation of solid initiatives for the upcoming year, with strategic plans taking shape to address critical issues such as sustainable resource management, economic resilience, and the promotion of green jobs.

These initiatives reflect a collective commitment to driving positive changes in 2024 and beyond, ensuring that our region's economic growth is both inclusive and environmentally responsible. The success of this inaugural meeting sets the stage for an annual tradition, further solidifying the CITBA Regional Economist Meetup as a cornerstone event in the regional economic calendar, dedicated to fostering sustainability and long-term prosperity.