Home - AJBC

Committed to developing strong bilateral relations and trade and investment opportunities between Japanese and Western Australian enterprises.

Western Australian and Japanese enterprises currently enjoy a range of trading relationships across a range of industries and initiatives. The Australia Japan Business Council’s mission is to raise the profile of our respective countries and assist the growth and development of trade and cultural opportunities between Australia and Japan.

Education

教育

Over 20,000 high school student exchanges have taken place between WA and Hyogo prefecture since 1986. Tokyo City University has an agreement with Edith Cowan University and Murdoch University for students to undertake English courses. Each year, over 200 Japanese students participate.

Oil & Gas

石油・天然ガス

In 2020, Western Australia accounted for 28% of Japan’s LNG imports. BP’s Statistical Review of World Energy data for 2019 showed that natural gas accounted for 20.8% of Japan’s primary energy consumption, pretty much all of which came from imported LNG. WA’s LNG export industry accounts for around 6% of Japan’s primary energy consumption.

Iron Ore

鉄鉱石

In 2020, Western Australia accounted for around 53% of Japan’s iron ore imports. A casual observation made by a recent visiting Premier of Western Australia to Japan supported that every second high rise building in Tokyo incorporated steel made from iron ore mined in WA. This is close to correct as data shows that since 1969, WA accounted for just under 42% of Japan’s iron ore imports.

Grains

穀物

Most of Japan’s udon noodles are derived from Western Australia wheat exports. The state produces nearly all premium Australian Noodle Wheat, or 850,000 tonnes per annum, providing more than $250 million per annum to the State economy. Western Australia’s barley exports help to sustain Japan’s world leading brewing industry.

Food & Beverage

食品・飲料

Western Australia’s diverse food and beverage sector has found Japan a fruitful and steady market. Given Japan’s appetite for premium products from sustainable sources, it is small wonder why wine, beer, gin, beef, lamb, pork, seafood, grapes, honey, apples, truffles, strawberries, rockmelons, olive oil, and wildflowers can be found on offer in Japanese markets and shops.

Tourism

観光

Japan has been a reliable tourist market for decades, ranking 7th largest source of international visitors in 2019-20, with an estimated 35,000 visitors (or 5% of the Western Australia market). Visitors from Japan increased 17% from 2018-19, making Japan the only market to increase visitors.

AJBC-WA Objectives

Promote and encourage bilateral trade through the sourcing of relevant information, the accessing of business and market experts and the identification of key decision-makers.
Broaden relationships with key Western Australian and Japanese stakeholders with interests in trade and investment and foster economic cooperation and partnerships.
Enhance intercultural relations, goodwill and mutual understanding between businesses active in, or interested in, the Western Australia – Japan relationship.
Engage with other organisations as appropriate that contribute to or influence the WA-Japan relationship.
Deliver a program of initiatives, such as business and social networking events, to assist members of AJBC to achieve their objectives.

Membership Benefits

Networking with key representatives, government leaders and specialists/ experts invested in the Australia Japan cultural and trade relationship.
Raising the profile of member companies through increased visibility and awareness in Australia and Japan of emerging business opportunities.
Advice and Services: cultural induction, consultancy service, resources, information on Japan and Australia (cultural, social, commercial, trade and investment).
Assist members to access connections and business opportunities that benefit their businesses.
Access to optional sponsorship opportunities associated with AJBC events.
Opportunities to promote business between members through customised events tailored to individual members’ needs to promote members’ product and services.
Opportunities to participate in future trade missions.