Victoria and Japan share a long and mutually beneficial economic partnership with Japan being our third largest trading partner and our fourth largest export market as of December 2017.
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.
Video: Japan and Australia – celebrating our friendship
Opportunities for Victorians looking to do business with Japan
Food & fibre
Victoria 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 and nuts, food ingredients and unique premium food.
International education
Japan is internationalising its higher education sector to deliver a globally competitive workforce. Opportunities have emerged for Victoria's leading educational institutions seeking trade partnerships, research and development collaboration, and international student placements.
English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS) attracts large numbers of students from Asia, and the demand from Japanese students continues to be high.
Tourism
New direct flights between Melbourne and Tokyo by JAL and Qantas are helping grow visitor numbers from Japan.
In 2017 nearly 79,000 Japanese visited Victoria, moving Japan into Victoria’s top ten of source countries for overseas visitors.
Medtech, pharma & aged care
Victoria's leading medtech and pharma businesses with expert skills and capabilities in the health and aged care sectors are strongly placed to address the needs of Japan's rapidly ageing population.
Opportunities have emerged to export and supply innovative products and services in the areas of medical research and development, education, medical devices and healthcare management.
Major events
As the host nation for the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the 2020 Olympics, Japan provides key opportunities for Victorian businesses to export and supply products and services in sports infrastructure, major event management, catering, hospitality training and security.
Fast facts
- Victoria's two-way merchandise trade with Japan was valued at A$6 billion in the 2015-16 financial year.1
- In 2015-16, Victoria's food and fibre exports to Japan were valued at A$985 million – accounting for 70 per cent of all goods exports to Japan.2
- Japanese visitors spent almost A$150 million in Victoria in the financial year 2015-16.3
- Although Japan's economy has experienced slow growth, it is still the world's third largest national economy.4
Source:
- DFAT STARS Database, based on ABS Cat No 5368.0, June 2016 data
- DFAT STARS Database, based on ABS Cat No 5368.0, June 2016 data
- Tourism Victoria Research Unit, August 2016
- International Monetary Fund 2016
Discover how your business can export to Japan
- Asialink Business' Japan Country Starter Pack provides a comprehensive guide to doing business in Japan.
- The Commissioner for Victoria to Japan and Korea is based at the Victorian Government Trade and Investment (VGTI) office in Tokyo. Our VGTI offices provide tailored market intelligence, insights and guidance for your export business, and can connect you with overseas buyers and industry partners in Japan.
- The Victorian Government provides support through a range of grants, vouchers and assistance programs.
- Austrade's Japan Market Profile provides further detail and facts about the Japanese market.
- The International Chamber House (ICH) in Melbourne's city centre is a business networking hub for international bilateral chambers and business associations. It provides members access to meeting rooms with video-conferencing, flexible workspaces, and a function space for international business development events
- Visit our regional insights page to read seasonal updates from our Regional Specialists
