The Victorian Government is committed to maintaining our strong relationship with Japan, with a presence through our Victorian Government Trade and Investment (VGTI) office in Tokyo. Our office has the dual aim of both facilitating exports into Japan, and developing and maintaining relationships with potential and current Japanese investors.

Since the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA) came into force in 2015, Victorian businesses have been given preferential access to export their premium goods and services to Japan.

Japan is Victoria's third largest trading partner and there are over 200 Japanese companies currently operating in Victoria.

There are significant opportunities to further grow the trade relationship, with synergies between Victoria and Japan including food and fibre, life sciences, digital technology and defence and advanced manufacturing.

Key industries of opportunity for Victorian exporters

The Victorian food and fibre sector is globally recognised as one of the world's leading suppliers of premium food and agri products.

As Japan's interest and demand for high quality, clean food products continues to increase, Victorian exporters are well-placed to supply Japan with premium meat and dairy products, citrus, table grapes,nuts, food ingredients, unique premium food, as well as alcoholic beverages.

Victoria's leading medtech and pharma businesses have expert skills and capabilities in the health and aged care sectors and are strongly placed to address the needs of Japan's rapidly ageing population.

Opportunities have emerged to supply innovative products and services and collaborate in the areas of medical research and development, education, medical devices and healthcare management.

Victoria’s Digital Technology industry is internationally competitive, generating more than $34 billion in revenue, and $3 billion in exports annually. Victoria has a diversified economy with a strong base of companies across key sectors that are increasingly adopting these digital technologies.

There are collaboration and partnership opportunities for businesses in digital technologies, including but not limited to sports technology, information and communications technology, fintech and regtech.

Victoria’s defence industry is renowned for its unparalleled capabilities in advanced manufacturing, research and development, and delivering complex defence projects.

Growing interest from the Victorian defence industry in exporting to Japan is timely. In December 2022, Japan announced a plan to double its defence spending to US$320 billion. Increasing defence collaboration between Australia and Japan also creates new opportunities for Victorian businesses.

Japan is internationalising its higher education sector to deliver a globally competitive workforce. There are opportunities for Victoria's leading education institutions seeking trade partnerships, research and development collaboration, and international student placements.

English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) attract large numbers of students from Asia, and the demand from Japanese students continues to be high thanks to the state’s safety and high quality education offerings.

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