Dr Atkinson was elected the city's Lord Mayor in 1985 and served until 1991 and has previously worked as a trade representative in South East Asia and as Australia's Senior Trade Commissioner to France. She is also a published author and worked as a journalist during the 1960s.

Trade Minister John Mickel said Brazil was the state's largest trading partner in Latin America and the 12th largest trade partner overall.

He said the appointment of Dr Atkinson would assist the government to explore future economic opportunities with the country, including a strong potential market for mining services and equipment.

His office was unable to elaborate, however, on exactly what the role would entail.

"Earlier this year, I welcomed a Brazilian delegation led by Vice Governor Professor Antonio Anastasia to Queensland and signed a joint declaration with the state of Minas Gerais," Mr Mikel said.

"Brazil is one of the state's top 10 student recruitment markets and a growing market for inbound tourism.

"Sallyanne Atkinson is well qualified to fill this position... she has proven herself an excellent representative of Queensland and Australia over many years with broad trade experience and an extensive list of business contacts."

Dr Atkinson's position would be "invaluable" to the on-going strength of the state's trade relationship and friendship with Brazil, which has been identified as a key export market for future growth, he said.

During the last financial year, merchandise exports to Brazil totalled $693 million.