Western Australia strengthens relationship with Japanese Ministerial visit

On Friday 1 May, Western Australia welcomed Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Hirofumi Nakasone on his first official visit to the State. 

WA Premier Colin Barnett and Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon Stephen Smith co-hosted a luncheon to welcome Minister Nakasone.

“I am honoured to have Mr Nakasone visit Western Australia so soon after our first meeting,” the Premier said.

Mr Nakasone’s visit comes only ten weeks after Mr Barnett visited Japan on his first official overseas visit as Premier.  Mr Barnett met Mr Nakasone in Tokyo 18 February this year. 

“When we met in February, I was told that I was the first Australian State Premier to meet with a Minister of such high ranking in the Japanese Government.  This was a clear indication of how this State’s exports are valued and the widespread interest in our minerals, petroleum and agriculture sector.”

Following the luncheon, the Premier met privately with Mr Nakasone where he updated him on the number of WA projects which have investment potential for Japan - the LNG precinct in the Kimberley, Oakajee Port in the Mid-West and the expansion of irrigation on the Ord River.

“As one of our most important trade and investment partners, Japan has played a vital role in WA’s economic development and I am keen to see this relationship continue and strengthen,” the Premier said.
 
The Japan – Western Australia relationship is strong and enduring, and has flourished over mutual trade and industry interests, with particular attention in the resources sector.

Japanese companies have made a significant contribution to the development of Western Australia’s resource sector with total trade valued at $20.4 billion for 2008 which distinguishes Japan as the States seconds largest trading partner.