Japanese Government boosts trade ties with Sydney

In an effort to boost trade in Japan with Sydney businesses, the Japanese Government is funding a free seminar on 3rd October run by Austrade, the Australian Government’s export development agency.

Austrade’s Sapporo-based Trade Commissioner, Sally Phillips said outside of Tokyo, in Japanese regions such as Kutchan, local governments are implementing strategies to assist investment and welcome trade.

"Much of Japan is very, very rural and more highly populated than similar areas in Australia. It’s in these regions and cities outside of Tokyo where infrastructure projects are underway and trade prospects are available," Ms Phillips said.

"Currently there’s an unprecedented inflow of Australian investment primarily into Japanese infrastructure and resorts. There’s also a trend for Aussie celebrity chefs like Luke Mangan setting up in Japan and we’re seeing Australian musicians such as Tommy Emmanuel here.

"It’ a myth that Japan is too expensive to deal with, because it’s been our biggest export destination for 40 years. Now Japan is out of its recession of 15 years, there’s sufficient money around for the Government to improve Japan’s infrastructure," she said.

A keynote speaker at the seminar and former Australian businessman, President of Japan-based Hokkaido Tracks Development, Simon Robinson now oversees a thriving resort condominium and property development firm in the ski fields of Hokkaido, and will have completed over 120 apartments and houses in the Niseko area by the end of this year.