53rd AUSTRALIA-JAPAN JOINT BUSINESS CONFERENCE
It is undoubtedly an exciting time for NSW-Japan relations.
Japan is a priority market for NSW as our largest export market and third largest source of investment.
The NSW Government sees its relationship with Japan as one of the most important and enduring.
And for these reasons I felt incredibly privileged to represent Premier Mike Baird at the 53rd Annual Australia-Japan Joint Business Conference in Fukuoka, Japan.
FINANCE & BANKING
I had the pleasure of meeting representatives from Japan’s largest banks: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ.
Both banks consider NSW to have the potential to be one of the top infrastructure markets globally over the coming years.
Regarding infrastructure transactions, SMBC in particular has been at the forefront of many of the Government’s largest infrastructure deals – valuing billions of dollars.
RESOURCES & ENERGY
Coal, coke and briquettes make up the bulk of NSW’s exports to Japan and accounts for 40 percent of total NSW trade with Japan and 43 percent of NSW coal exports.
With Japan home to Nippon Steel and Sumitomo Metal (NSSMC) – world leading steel producers – I was thrilled to discuss how NSW is a reliable source of coal exports and how it supports many jobs and contributes enormously to our economy.
AIRLINE INDUSTRY
With the go-ahead of Badgerys Creek Airport in Western Sydney, it was exciting to discuss the potential return of All Nippon Airways (ANA) services to Sydney.
The Conference gave the NSW Government the opportunity to update our Japanese friends on Badgerys Creek Airport and related infrastructure opportunities.
Without doubt, this will be a major win for NSW and Western Sydney.
METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT
The next few years will prove to be an exciting and vibrant time for Japan’s capital.
The Rugby World Cup will be held in Tokyo in 2019, followed by the Olympic Games and Paralympics in 2020.
This presents a huge opportunity for Olympic and major event expertise from NSW.
EDUCATION
I was very interested to learn of the growing engagement between Kyushu University and NSW universities, including the collaboration on hydrogen and agricultural research.
These relationships have been, and will continue to be, vitally important for the technological development of both NSW and Japan, presenting opportunities for business and government.
LASTLY…
I would like to warmly thank the Japanese people and business community for their generous hospitality.
Testament to the strong ties between our two nations, the Economic Partnership Agreement signed in January this year has already delivered a 25 percent increase in Australian beef exports to Japan.
On behalf of the NSW Government, we look forward to continuing our strong friendship and building on our economic partnership in the future.
For further information, please contact my office on (02) 8882 9555 or via email at castlehill@parliament.nsw.gov.au.