Prime Minister Tony Abbott has used a visit to Texas to announce the establishment of a new consulate-general in the US city of Houston.
Mr Abbott says Texas businesses export $2.5 billion worth of goods to Australia, with more than 100 Australia comapnies already operating in the state.
He says the establishment of a consulate-general there in the next 12 months will boost trade and investment between Texas and Australia.
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"I am able to announce the establishment of an Australian consulate general here in Houston to promote and facilitate our links," he said. "Queensland should not be the only Australian government represented by a consulate."
