Australia Japan Joint Business Conference highlights strong and growing business links with Japan
Global Victoria and Invest Victoria were the major sponsors and hosts of the 60th anniversary of the Australia Japan Joint Business Conference (8 - 10 October 2023). The Conference brought together senior government and corporate representatives across the Australia-Japan ecosystem to explore and address global challenges and to further expand the business relationship.
The Australia Japan Business Cooperation Committee (AJBCC) and its counterpart, the Japan Australia Business Cooperation Committee (JABCC) host conferences every year, alternating between Australia and Japan. The 2023 Conference was a resounding success, with a record attendance of over 700 people joining the conference from Japan and Australia.
The Conference was attended by over 750 delegates from a range of industries, including government, infrastructure, innovation and technology, clean energy, hydrogen, critical minerals, real instate and diversity and inclusion.
Senior representatives included:
- Governor of Victoria Margaret Gardner AC
- Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan
- Victorian Treasurer and Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas
- Japanese Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry
- Federal Minister for Trade the Hon Don Farrell.
Global Victoria and Invest Victoria collaborated with partners to deliver key activities to promote trade, investment and diversity, including a diversity and inclusion side event focused on women in leadership, an energy transition-focused investment event; and 2 technology partnerships-focused seminars.
The Conference followed a year-long program of Japan-related activities to leverage the focus on Japan, including the Japan Corporate Day (March 2023) and the Victoria-Japan Women in Leadership Program Series (October 2022 - October 2023). The next Conference will take place in Victoria’s sister state, Aichi prefecture in October 2024.
Upcoming activities
- Trade mission to Foodex Japan (March 2024), Japan’s largest food and beverage trade show.
- Attendance at Study in Australia Fair Tokyo (June 2024), an education fair promoting universities, VET and other institutions in Australia.
- Attendance at BioJapan (Oct 2024), Japan’s largest bio and life sciences trade show.