本日 日本に向けて出発されたデニス・ナプサインVIC州首相の公式訪問に関する発表です。
Japan visit celebrates old friendships and new opportunities （以下英文）
Premier Denis Napthine has flown into Japan today to celebrate one of Victoria’s oldest international friendships and explore new investment, trade and partnership opportunities.
“Victoria has a warm and long-standing relationship with Japan, and this visit aims to build on our 50 year business connection,” Dr Napthine said.
“Japan is Victoria’s third largest trade partner, with two-way merchandise trade valued at over $6 billion last year and has long been a major export destination for Victorian food and beverage.
“Japan is by far Victoria’s largest source of foreign direct investment from any country in Asia.”
Dr Napthine said that the visit would focus on the areas of food and agriculture, infrastructure and retail.
“There are big challenges ahead for our region that Victoria and Japan can work on together, such as food security and delivering the infrastructure needed to support our future prosperity,” Dr Napthine said.
“Victoria is Australia’s leading food state, producing and exporting more than any other state on just three per cent of the country’s land to supply premium, safe and reliable food to more than 100 markets worldwide.
“We are committed to building our economic infrastructure to increase our exports and meet growing demand in the region.
“Victoria’s strong reputation as a retail hub has seen growing investment from major international retail brands over the past 24 months, leading to the creation of over 2,800 new retail jobs.”
While in Japan, Dr Napthine will address the Japan-Australia Joint Business Conference, meet with senior representatives from Japan’s food and beverage industry and host an event to promote opportunities for investment in infrastructure projects.
Dr Napthine will also visit Aichi prefecture, Victoria’s sister state in Japan.
“The time is ripe for a new wave of investment, taking advantage of Victoria’s strengths in agribusiness and growing consumer demand,” Dr Napthine said.
“Victoria’s strong relationship with Japan provides a solid platform for new partnerships in growing sectors.
“Victoria has had official representation in Tokyo since 1976 and our Victorian Government Business Office in Tokyo was our first office in Asia.
“We see Japan as the cornerstone of our engagement with Asia.
“As our relationship with Japan goes from strength to strength, it will serve as a guiding light for Victoria in exploring future partnership opportunities in the Asian region.”