Premier markets Queensland agribusiness in Japan

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk marketed Queensland’s agribusiness and investment opportunities to a high level audience in Tokyo today as part of her first official visit to Japan.

Addressing an agricultural investment seminar at the Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ, Ms Palaszczuk spoke of the opportunities arising from Australia’s recently-signed free trade agreement with Japan.

“The Japan Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA) presents a wide range of new possibilities not only for Australian exporters but also for Japanese investors,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“Queensland and Japan have had a long and fruitful relationship since the 1960s when Japan began supporting the development of our coal industry. And since then, investment from Japan has been critical to the development of Queensland’s economy – from resources to tourism and beyond.

“Today I have signed an MOU with the Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi which aims to build on our collaborative relationship and increase Japanese investment in our state.

“We greatly appreciate this vote of confidence in Queensland by Japan’s largest bank and I’m certain it will lead to a new era of Japanese investment in Queensland.

“In particular, we believe JAEPA will offer substantial new investment opportunities in Queensland’s agribusiness sector because of the immediate or fast track elimination on tariffs on products such as beef, sugar, fruit, vegetables, seafood, nuts, juices and processed foods such as honey and tea.

“Tomorrow some of these products will be showcased at a lunch I’m hosting prepared by Iron Chef Sakai and I know our Japanese guests will be impressed with our world-class produce and beef.

“JAEPA also presents many new opportunities for Japanese investors to support the expansion of our agribusiness industry.

“Additionally, I believe our $180 million Advance Queensland Initiative offers even more opportunities for Japanese investors.

“Advance Queensland is an investment in innovation, skills education, business development and the encouragement of a start-up culture to deliver jobs now and into the future.

“We would welcome Japanese investment and partnerships in our Advance Queensland programs along with investment in our agribusiness sectors.

“I’m confident Japanese investors and buyers will be sold on Queensland’s world class produce and food products and investment opportunities after this mission as we offer endless opportunities.

“My government is working hard to grow Queensland’s economy through partnerships like these with Japan.”

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