The 62nd Annual Japan-Australia Joint Business Conference in Perth
The 62nd Annual Japan-Australia Joint Business Conference in Perth
A fresh start towards new heights
in the Japan-Australia business relationship
The Japan-Australia Business Co-operation Committee (JABCC) and the Australia-Japan Business Co-operation Committee (AJBCC) held the 62nd Annual Japan-Australia Joint Business Conference in Perth, Australia, from 5 to 7 October 2025. Under the theme of “Navigating New Realities—Turbulence, Transition and Technology,” a total of 707 participants from both countries attended, and engaged in energetic discussions aimed at elevating the countries’ bilateral business relationship to new heights and advancing to a fresh stage. (Speakers' titles are as of the time of the conference)
On Friday, December 19th, the JABCC reported to
Prime Minister Takaichi on the 62nd Annual Japan-Australia Joint Business Conference
(Center) Prime Minister Takaichi
(From left) Vice Chairman Toshiaki Kitamura, Chairman Michiaki Hirose
(From right) Vice Chairman Kosei Shindo, Vice Chairman Masami Iijima
At the meeting, the JABCC reported that although it had been 17 years since the last conference in Perth, this 62nd Conference had been held on a grand scale. The Committee further stated that it would continue to exert every effort to strengthen the Japan-Australia relationship, and that it wished to request the government's continued support.
Prime Minister Takaichi offered her congratulations on the success of the conference and expressed her gratitude for the role and efforts of the JABCC to date as well as her expectations for the future. She spoke on the importance of the Japan-Australia relationship and her intention to work with the business community to further strengthen relationships, taking the opportunity of next year's 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation between Australia and Japan..
Prime Ministers’ Messages from both Countries
Prime Minister Albanese
Ambassador Hayhurst delivering the message
The special strategic partnership between Japan and Australia is built upon long-term investment and business ties. It serves not only mutual interests, but also contributes to the prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region. This conference’s main theme of “Navigating New Realities—Turbulence, Transition and Technology” signifies that even amidst global change, we can embrace new transformations with a focus on the future and seize opportunities. It is precisely because of these uncertain times that cooperation is essential, and everyone at the conference is at the heart of that relationship.
Prime Minister Ishiba
Ambassador Suzuki delivering the message
Japan-Australia relations form the core of our partnership with like-minded nations and are positioned to play a leading role in achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific. Both countries will elevate our robust bilateral relationship to new heights by further strengthening cooperation across a broad range of fields. The selection of the Mogami-class frigate is highly anticipated in terms of enhancing security and developing the defence industry. The mutually beneficial relationship between our two countries is an invaluable asset cultivated through the longstanding efforts of the business community. The government will continue to support the smooth operation of business activities.
Hon Roger Cook MLA, Premier of Western Australia
Japan and Western Australia share a mutually complementary relationship centred on iron ore and energy. In agricultural products as well, Japan imports significant quantities of wheat from Western Australia. The word “mochi mochi,” like the firmness of udon noodles, is a keyword for both Japan and Western Australia, as we can overcome a turbulent and uncertain era through a sustainable and flexible relationship, which aligns perfectly with the main theme of this conference.
Hon Madeleine King MP,
Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia
Achieving net-zero emissions requires ensuring affordable access to gas. Gas development cannot proceed without Japanese investments, and Australia will refine existing contracts and increase investment in a manner that meets Japan's energy security requirements. As uncertainty grows, trust and interdependence become indispensable, but one thing which remains unchanged is that “Australia will always be there for Japan.”
Akiyoshi Kato, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy,
Trade and Industry
Three key perspectives for further developing bilateral economic relations are “comprehensive supply chain cooperation,” “promoting investment in the energy sector” and “expanding cooperation in advanced industries such as defence and space.” Amid increasing uncertainty in the global economy, the importance of both countries working closely together across the vast economic sphere of the Pacific and Indian oceans has grown more significant than ever. Both governments will cooperate to support initiatives by the business community.
Andrew Shearer, Director-General, Office of National Intelligence
Both countries share a deep bond of trust. The Mogami class frigate is a tangible expression of this trust and represents a step forward in our future military cooperation. Energy security is indispensable to regional stability. Infrastructure development is also crucial, and both of our countries must demonstrate leadership as major powers, since we will be able to assist Southeast Asian countries. Building upon mutual trust, it is vital that we proceed with courage along uncertain paths and be unafraid of risks.
Toshiaki Higashihara, Director, Board of Directors, Executive Chairman, Representative Executive Officer, Hitachi, Ltd.
Companies unable to survive in the global market will eventually be eliminated. The three key points for achieving globalization are introducing digital technology and AI into the manufacturing which is Japan’s strength, building win-win relationships with partner companies to create a Japan that is relied upon, and cultivating talent capable of taking the initiative to address social challenges as their own responsibility and expanding globally. By viewing uncertainty as an opportunity and joining forces with countries capable of collaboration, liberalism can be safeguarded.
Japan-Australia Business in a Turbulent World
The impact of changing global circumstances—such as the rise of protectionism—on the operations of multinational corporations and bilateral relationships, and the measures to be taken to overcome these challenges, from the perspective of business representatives from both countries
Kenichi Hori, President and CEO, Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
To further advance a bilateral relationship, it is necessary to maintain candid dialogue, align long-term objectives particularly in the energy and climate change sectors, jointly invest in innovation and invigorate people-to-people exchanges. The development of industry requires cross-sectoral cooperation, for which cultivating personnel with extensive experience is crucial. Japan and Australia possess the capacity to achieve this, and we believe that conferences such as this will also contribute to human resource development.
Geraldine Slattery, President Australia, BHP
(Moderator) Mana Nakazora, Member, Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy,
Chief Credit Strategist / Chief ESG Strategist,
Vice Chairperson, Global Markets, BNP Paribas, Japan
Akihiro Fukutome, President and CEO,
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Japanese companies are shifting investment focus from cost efficiency to resilience. Australia stands out as an ideal investment destination due to its transparent legal system, stable political and macroeconomic environment, strong partnerships, and English-speaking population. Beyond traditional sectors such as energy and resources, opportunities exist in emerging areas, including the battery industry and housing, aligning with Japanese strengths and the challenges facing Australia. For such projects, we also expect the use of blended finance to share the risks between the public and private sectors.
Paul Jenkins, Global CEO, Ashurst
(Moderator) Nobuko Kobayashi, Asia-Pacific Strategy Execution Leader, EY-Parthenon
The 63rd Annual Japan-Australia Joint Business Conference in Chiba
The 63rd Conference will be held in Chiba Prefecture from October 4th to 6th next year as the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Conference of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation between Japan and Australia.
Toshihito Kumagai, Governor of Chiba Prefecture delivering a speech at the closing ceremony
Chiba Prefecture possesses one of Japan's foremost industrial clusters, developed on the foundation of iron ore, natural gas and other resources imported from Australia, and we maintain strong ties with the country. It also boasts attractive tourist resources including Disneyland, is home to Narita Airport—Japan’s gateway to the skies—and enjoys thriving agriculture, forestry, fisheries and sports such as surfing and golf. Chiba Prefecture welcomes the opportunity to host next year’s conference and wholeheartedly pledges our utmost cooperation.
Comments
Post a Comment