Premier Daniel Andews has hosted a special event in Tokyo celebrating the 40th anniversary of Victorian Government representation in Japan.
The Premier delivered a keynote address highlighting key milestones in the Victoria-Japan relationship and opportunities for future collaboration across a range of sectors.
Japan is the state's third largest trading partner, with two-way trade worth $6 billion in 2015/16. More than 170 Japanese companies operate in Victoria, employing about 10,000 people.
The Andrews Labor Government is proactively seeking stronger engagement with Japan in health and medical research, new energy technology, food and agriculture, transport technologies, and creative industries.
Melbourne hosts the Australia vs Japan World Cup qualification match on October 11. As part of the celebration at Tokyo's Roppongi Hills Club, the Premier presented an Australian Socceroos jersey to Mr Masaaki Okajima from the Japan Football Association.
The event was also attended by Dr Akio Mimura AC, President of the Japan Australian Business Co-operation Committee and Sir Rod Eddington, President of the Australia Japan Business Cooperation Committee. The 54th Annual Australia Japan Joint Business Conference will be held in Melbourne next month.
Victoria and Japan have 19 sister city relationships and Victoria and Aichi prefecture have been sister states since 1980.
Quotes attributable to the Premier Daniel Andrews
"Japan is one of our most valuable trading partners and their companies employ thousands of Victorians.
"Japan is a nation of great tradition and culture, extraordinary technology and innovation - identifying further opportunities with means more jobs for Victorians."
Reviewed 19 August 2020