Read about the Governor’s recent Official Visit to Japan and China
Earlier this month the Governor returned from an Official Visit to Japan and China, which was undertaken at the request of the Victorian Government.
Across two weeks, a busy program of engagements saw the Governor represent Victoria at major events, meet with key officials, and visit a number of businesses and institutions to explore greater collaboration.
The Official Visit was an opportunity to strengthen ties with China and Japan, which are Victoria’s largest and third-largest trading partners respectively, as well as reinforce Victoria’s sister-state partnerships with Aichi Prefecture and Sichuan Province.
Encouraging trade and investment with Japan
Japan is Victoria’s third-largest trading partner and fourth-largest export market, with these economic ties supported by the Victorian Government Trade and Investment Office in Tokyo.
This partnership spans across key industries including food and fibre, life sciences, digital technology, defence and advanced manufacturing. There are also over 200 Japanese companies currently operating in Victoria.
The Governor’s Official Visit to Japan was focused on supporting this important relationship, headlined by the Governor representing Victoria at the 61st Annual Australia-Japan Joint Business Conference in Nagoya.
The visit also featured tours of several innovative Japanese organisations, including a meeting with the Global Chief Technology Officer of Fujitsu, a tour of STATION Ai – Japan’s largest open innovation hub, and a visit to the Toyota Technological Institute to explore potential links with Victoria’s skills sector.
Supporting collaboration with China
China is Victoria’s largest two-way trading goods partner and a major service export partner in the international education and tourism sectors, supported by the Victorian Government Trade and Investment Offices based in China.
In Sichuan, the Governor visited Qinci Games Studios – offering an insight into the company’s expansion into Victoria.
An important centrepiece of the Official Visit was the Governor’s attendance at the 25th China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education in Beijing.
Representing Victoria at the plenary session, the Governor gave a keynote address and reflected on the benefits of international education and Victoria’s important contribution to the sector.
While in Beijing, the Governor hosted a ‘Friends of Victoria’ networking event and met with staff at the Victorian Government Trade and Investment Office in Beijing.
The Governor also visited the Place Museum in Beijing and met with its Director, Dr Wang Xudong, to discuss the possibilities to further extend collaborations with Victoria’s cultural institutions.
Strengthening Victoria’s sister-state relationships
On the Official Visit to Japan, the Governor reconnected with the Governor of Aichi Prefecture His Excellency Mr Hideaki Ohmura, just over one year since His Excellency’s stay at Government House Victoria on one of his many distinguished visits to Melbourne.
The Governor also met with Mr Masaharu Shinkai, the new Vice-Chairperson of the Aichi Prefectural Assembly and committed to furthering the long-standing friendship between our two States.
The partnership with Aichi is one of Victoria’s oldest partnerships, and has contributed to the trading of cultural, artistic and commercial knowledge.
Next year marks 45 years of this Victoria’s sister-state relationship – an important milestone that both Governors look forward to commemorating together.
China is home to Victoria’s newest sister-state in the province of Sichuan. Alongside Jiangsu, this makes Victoria the only State in Australia that has two sister-state relationships with China.
On her Official Visit to China, the Governor met with the Madame Tian Xiangli Chairperson of the Sichuan Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference to discuss this relationship.
The Governor also took the opportunity to visit the important institution of Dujiangyan Giant Panda Base and the Sichuan International Tennis Centre, where she met with officials and players for the Australian Open Asia-Pacific Wildcard Play-off.
Upon return to Victoria, the Governor is continuing to strengthen these international relationships. Read more about the Governor’s Official Travel.