Remarks by His Excellency Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo to the Japan Self-Defense Forces Day Dinner, Wednesday 30 November 2022 can be accessed via the link below:
Category: News
Industry focused Japan Study Tours
AJBC is pleased to introduce Makoto Asia Pacific and their 2023 business tour program of Lean Japan Study Tours.
More detailed information is here:
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For further information or to register your interest, please contact;
Daniel Giles
Consulting Partner
Makoto APAC
AJBC Executive Committee members were privileged and honoured to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on his recent Perth visit.
When Prime Minister Kishida visited Perth in late October, the Australia Japan Business Council of WA (AJBC) was delighted that two of its executives were invited to privately meet with him.
Ms Mayumi Laughton-Smith, AJBC Deputy Chair, was one of only 13 guests to meet with the Prime Minister at a dinner function hosted by the Japanese Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Mr Yamagami Shingo. Mr Andrew Tan, AJBC Executive Member and President & CEO for Oceania – Chiyoda, was one of a few select corporate invitees to attend the business leaders’ luncheon.
The importance of AJBC, a dedicated business council to represent the mutual interests of Japanese and Western Australian businesses, cannot be overstated.
A full house for the AJBC-WA ’s networking event “Broome’s Pearling Past and Future” hosted by Linneys Pearls.
The Australia Japan Business Council (WA) Inc. teamed up with Linneys’ Pearls to acknowledge the longstanding beneficial relationship that the Japanese community has forged with Broome and the broader Kimberley region.
In the delightful New York style loft showroom that is Linneys’ King Street premises, AJBC Chair Richard Sandover presented guest speaker the Hon. Alannah MacTiernan, Minister for Primary Industry and Regional Development. The Minister addressed the importance of the WA-Japanese partnership particularly its longevity. From the earliest pearl divers arriving in Broome in the late nineteenth century through to today, the Japanese have left an indelible imprint on the community and social fabric of Broome. Minister MacTiernan highlighted the beauty and ‘zen’ ambience of Broome’s Japanese cemetery and noted it has become a feature of any visit to Broome.
The Minister noted that Japanese naval vessels provided security for the Australian transport carriers that left from Albany on the long journey to Turkey and Europe in the early days of WW1. She also pointed out that Japanese imports of Western Australian iron ore did not commence with the Pilbara in the 1960s but rather export of iron ore from Koolan Island for a short period in the 1930s, with a certain BHP holding the first export licence.
On a note of pride and reflection, the Minister informed guests that she now had two Australian Japanese grandchildren, courtesy of her son marrying a Japanese girl. In her additional capacity as Minister for Hydrogen Industry, the Minister’s political responsibilities will continue to ensure that Japan is front and centre in her actions.
The AJBC thanked Justin Linney, CEO of Linneys Pearls for hosting the event. Justin offered an insight into the origins of the Linney family company, and its present role in developing and promoting Australian South Sea Pearls. Linneys provided a $500 door prize which was won by Curtin law student and AJBC intern, Nia Cura.
AJBC thanks were also offered to the Japanese Deputy Consul-General Mr. Naoki Semmyo, Rare Foods Australia and Glenarty Road Winery for the provision of extraordinary hors d’ouvres (including sea farmed abalone) and Howard Park wines from the Burch Family wine company and of course to the many members and followers of the AJBC who attended and enjoyed themselves on the night.
AJBCWA October Networking Event: Broome’s Pearling Past and Future
Join the Australia Japan Business Council (WA) at our October Networking Event ‘Broome’s Pearling Past and Future’, proudly supported by Linneys.
Featuring special guests Hon. Alannah MacTiernan MLC, Minister for Regional Development, Justin Linney, Creative Director of Linneys and the Japanese Consulate General of Japan in Perth and showcasing abalone from Rare Foods Australia and ocean cellared wine from Glenarty Road.
Date: Thursday 27 October 2022, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Address: 61 King St, Perth, Western Australia, AU, 6000
Event link:https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/october-networking-event-broomes-pearling-past-and-future-tickets-427746079037
Places are limited with RSVPs closing at 5pm on Tuesday, 20th October. Register now on the above link to secure your place.
Vale ABE SHINZO san
Australia Japan Business Council, our members and greater community are appalled and deeply saddened by the brutal killing today of former Prime Minister of Japan and global world leader, Abe Shinzo.
Abe san was a great friend of Australia. We, in Western Australia, well remember his visit as Prime Minister of Japan in 2014 to the Pilbara region of Western Australia at the invitation of the then Premier of Western Australia, the Hon. Colin Barnett.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Abe Shinzo.
Abe san was a great supporter of free international trade and the advancement of liberal representative democracies, of which Japan has become such a global exemplar.
The longevity and depth of the Australian and Japanese bilateral partnership and our trade, investment and cultural linkages have been a constant in these tumultuous times in world geo-politics. Abe san was an influential supporter of that model as demonstrated by his singular support of the respectful Japan – Australian relationship. It offers a trusted model for future international growth and development between all liberal representative democracies across the globe.
It is distressing to lose a truly global figure in this tragic manner.
Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the Japanese peoples in Japan, Australia and everywhere else.
Western Australia welcomes the Australia-Japan Business Council State Chapter
- Western Australia welcomes the Australia-Japan Business Council (WA) Inc.
- AJBC-WA supports Western Australian enterprises build stronger bilateral ties with Japanese businesses by supporting trade, investment and cultural opportunities.
The launch of the Australia Japan Business Council (AJBC-WA) was warmly hosted by His Excellency Governor Beazley at Government House on the evening of Wednesday 23 March. Welcome speeches were offered by His Excellency Mr Shingo Yamagami, Ambassador for Japan to Australia who flew to Perth for the occasion, and by Hon. Roger Cook, MLA Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Jobs and Trade; Tourism; Commerce; Science.
Among the distinguished guests were those who played key roles in strengthening the relationship: Richard Court AC, former Premier and Australian Ambassador to Japan; Sam Walsh AO, Mitsui & Co board member and former Chief Executive of the Rio Tinto Group; and Stephen Smith, former Australian Minister who held the Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence portfolios. They were joined by a who’s who of the Japanese and Australian business world.
Japan has a long history with Western Australia, reaching back to Broome’s pearling industry in the late nineteenth century. Trading companies such as Mitsubishi and Mitsui have had offices here for well over a century. In fact the State economy would look considerably different – and poorer – without ongoing Japanese commitments in the iron ore industry in the 1960s and the LNG industry in the 1980s. The partnership with Japan has in many senses moulded the modern Western Australian economy.
After the USA and UK, Japan clearly accounts for the largest significant business presence in Perth. It is certainly the largest Asian business presence and therefore the flag bearer for the State Government’s Asian Engagement Strategy in that regard.
Japan adheres to the rule of law, contractual obligations and transparent governance, and is recognised for observance of environmental, social and governance mores. Their business models epitomise ‘partnership’ – usually minority ownership of projects, strong and diverse supply chains and JVs, community commitment, and trust. Not all of Western Australia’s major trading partners can make such claims.
Australia and Japan have found reliable partners in each other, underpinning the trade relationship. They are complementary economies, and boast a well-established smoothly-run free trade agreement, the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (2015).
A rich, historic cultural relationship is also evident, with the Western Australia and Hyogo Prefecture Sister State Agreement (the State’s oldest such Agreement) celebrating its 40th year in 2021. Eleven municipalities also have a Sister City relationship with a Japanese city.
The AJBC-WA offers a platform and network from which Japanese and Western Australian businesses can enhance cultural relations, and engage with their governments on policy and program initiatives. Not only will the focus be on the established fields of mining, energy and agriculture but also on tourism, education and premium food and beverages, as well as the emerging fields of cybersecurity, automation, AI, robotics, data analytics, advanced manufacturing, med-tech and digital innovation.
You can read the Chairman of the AJBC, Richard Sandover’s speech at the launch event here.
Australian Japan Business Council Launch – Speech
Good evening.
My name is Richard Sandover. I am current chair of Australia Japan Business Council.
Governor Beazley, Ambassador Yamagami, Consul-General Suzuki, Deputy Premier Roger Cook, other distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you for attending the launch of the Australia Japan Business Council.
Governor Beazley, thank you for your generous words. AJBC acknowledges your support of our council. We thank you for hosting this event. Throughout your public life you have had a deep interest in global geo-politics. During your political life particularly with respect to the ministerial portfolios you held and then later as Australian Ambassador to the United States of America, you have had an opportunity to shape the politics of our region. Through your public service, you have made a real contribution to the strengthening of Australia’s global economic and security interests and we are the beneficiaries.
Ambassador Yamagami, Australia Japan Business Council is honoured that you could attend this event. In the relatively short time since your appointment as Japanese Ambassador to Australia you have demonstrated a significant interest in Western Australia. Despite the pandemic and closing of the WA border you have visited WA on two occasions, once before the border shutdown and now following the border’s opening. Thank you for your informative and supportive speech. Australia is fortunate to have such a pro-active and energetic Japanese Ambassador posted to Canberra.
I would like to introduce our Executive Committee, our indefatigable Deputy Chair Mayumi Laughton-Smith, David McCulloch, Andrew Tan, Jack Smith and Tamas Zegrean. Tamas is unfortunately unable to attend tonight and proffers his apologies. The fact that AJBC has been able to open for business in the midst of the pandemic, is down to these energetic, knowledgeable and engaged people.
We wish to thank Governor Beazley’s team at Government House for their guidance with this event and their steadiness in maintaining an air of optimism, that despite the challenges raised by the pandemic, the ‘show must go on’.
I first visited Japan in 1971 as a member of a schoolboy water polo team coached by the former Olympian Tom Hoad. Ever since then I have had a regard for Japan, supported by my late grandmother, Lady Kathleen Sandover, who in her 70’s took up learning the Japanese language. My interest in Japan was strengthened by 43 years as a lawyer and partner in the commercial law firm Jackson McDonald, concluding in 2021. Throughout, Jackson McDonald advised both Australian and Japanese clients in relation to a slew of projects that have come to define our Western Australian economy from the Pilbara iron ore industry, the north-west shelf, subsequent LNG and other mining and engineering projects and beyond.
So, why the need for Australia Japan Business Council focussing on Western Australia? With its formation Australia Japan Business Council is intending to assist Western Australian business to widen and deepen our business and trade relationships with Japan. AJBC wants to help WA business to connect with their Japanese business counterparts, to foster better understanding between our peoples and assist where possible in promoting investment and market opportunities.
AJBC is a not-for-profit entity. All committee members serve on a pro bono basis. By building a diverse membership on the back of AJBC’s promise of engagement with members, scheduling of ongoing events of interest and collaborating with other likeminded organisations, Australia Japan Business Council believes it can help build an additional bridge between Japanese and Australian business.
In this respect, we urge your companies to take up corporate membership of AJBC and nominate people in your organisation who are ready and willing to make a positive contribution to promoting the Japan Australia business relationship.
AJBC will work with members to ensure their interests are promoted and enhanced. It will strive to give members a vibrant forum in which they can share information, seek trading partners and alliances and promote their business interests.
In this vein, in collaboration with Australia Japan Business Council, AJBC’s first platinum member, ISA Technologies, a global leader in creating and managing secure health networks, is participating, along with others, in framing up an event featuring cyber security. As we have seen recently, infrastructure and systems such as pipeline networks, power generation systems and health networks are susceptible to cyber-attack. This event will entail a deep dive into the area. We are hoping to feature speakers who have consulted to various international bodies on this subject. We anticipate running the event in May.
Interspersed with subject matter events, AJBC will host events where networking will be the primary goal centred around an interesting speaker either selected by a member or a visitor to WA who has something new and insightful to communicate of relevance to the Australia Japan relationship.
Whether it be mining, or energy projects and allied services, WA has had an enduring and important economic relationship with Japan. This trading relationship from WA’s side, has over time extended to tourism, grains, meat, packaged food and beverage, horticultural products, international education and innovation in cyber security, robotics, health and medical and more.
The Australia Japan economic relationship in today’s changing regional context cannot stand in isolation, however. It must go hand in hand with a strong security relationship. The existing relationship built on trust and respect has seen enactment of the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement, revival of the TPP following the departure of USA as a member and the re-energising of the QUAD initiative involving Japan, Australia, India and USA. The recent signing by the respective Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia of the Reciprocal Access Agreement Treaty facilitating the inter-operability of our respective defence forces, is a further manifestation of this.
At this time of regional uncertainty, Australia Japan Business Council believes it is important to re-focus on strengthening engagement with Japan at a business and community level, as well as a political and security level.
Owing to our wind and solar potential and the discovery in WA of the Julimar strategic minerals province and generally of significant strategic minerals such as palladium, lithium, cobalt, rare earths, along with existing copper and nickel, opportunities to partner and trade with Japan now extend into emerging renewable hydrogen, lithium battery materials and critical minerals industries. Peter Newman, Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University and co-ordinating lead author for the UN’s IPCC report on transport due out on 4 April, describes these opportunities as the new ‘Lithium Valley’.
The rules based international order is under strain. AJBC believes that in a changing regional context, the Australia Japan relationship, resting as it does on trust and respect gained over many years, liberal representative democracies and a shared rules-based order, underpins the business opportunities and partnerships existing and emerging in Western Australia. AJBC believes there is a need for a Business Council that is broader in sectoral scope, which offers a platform for WA SMEs as well as large corporations to access the Japanese market and develop trade and investment partnerships and alliances.
We hope you will join us outside for some refreshment and networking. When you leave, please take a show bag. Inside are the AJBC Strategy document, schedule of forthcoming events, membership tariff card and some wonderful gifts from 2 exceptional SME’s already exporting to Japan. These are a Woodlands Wines Shiraz and wonderful Nakamura Chocolates. I understand that by value, Woodlands is WA’s leading wine exporter to Japan and Nakamura Chocolates made in WA already have a premium distribution network in Japan with a dedicated retail outlet in Kobe.
Thank you for your participation in this event.
Richard Sandover
March 2022