TOKYO, Japan, Oct, 21. 2013 – Australia’s leading State – New South Wales (NSW) – has opened a new Trade &
Investment Office in Japan and appointed a highly experienced Commissioner to
continue to build close economic ties between the two nations.
NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner is in
Tokyo this week, meeting business leaders and promoting the appointment of
Geoff Walker as the new NSW Trade & Investment Commissioner in Japan.
Mr Stoner said Japan was identified as a priority market for the State in
the NSW International Engagement Strategy launched earlier this year.
“Opening a Trade & Investment Office in Tokyo and appointing a Commissioner
underlines our commitment to growing this important relationship,” Mr Stoner
said.
“Mr Walker brings a wealth of experience to his new role. With his Japanese
language skills and extensive business experience in the country, he will give
impetus to NSW’s drive to increase business opportunities with Japan.
“He has more than 25 years management experience in the transport,
manufacturing and distribution industries, including marine transport and food
ingredients, in Japan.
“Mr Walker also brings considerable business and cultural knowledge to the
role and is known for his strong cross-cultural management and negotiating
skills. “He will play a major role in continuing to build close economic ties
between NSW and Japan.
“Two-way merchandise trade between NSW and Japan was worth just over A$16
billion in 2012-13, an increase of 12 per cent in five years.
“In fact, NSW accounts for over a quarter of bilateral trade between Australia
and Japan. “That is why I am visiting Japan this week to continue to grow our
important relationship by meeting business leaders and introducing Mr Walker.
“During the visit I will also address the 51st Japan-Australia Joint
Business Conference in Tokyo.”This provides a wonderful opportunity to
recognise the work of the Japan-Australia Business Co-operation Committee and
its Australian counterpart, the Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee
in building the friendship between our nations, advancing our mutual business
interests and supporting new Japanese-Australian collaborations.”
Mr Walker said he was excited by the prospect of promoting NSW’s numerous
investment opportunities to Japanese businesses.
“I welcome the opportunity to utilise my years of experience in Japan in
both the public and private sectors to increase the close business relationship
between Japan and NSW,” Mr Walker said.
“It is a deep and broad relationship built up over more than 50 years.”
Mr Walker’s background includes seven years as secretary of the Australian and
New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan, and Commissioner at the NSW
Government Office in Japan from 1988-98.
He is also a former president of the Japanese subsidiary, Kerry Japan, of
international conglomerate Kerry. Under Mr Walker’s leadership the company’s
sales in Japan grew from A$10 million to A$50 million.
“The NSW presence in Japan will help further develop partnerships in the key
industries of the 21st century,” Mr Walker said.
“Our focus will be on opportunities for trade and investment in areas such
as infrastructure, clean technology, advanced manufacturing, mining and
agribusiness.”
Media contact: Geoff Walker +81 80551 92421
SOURCE: Deputy Premier of Australia’s leading State of New South Wales
Original Source: ◎駐日貿易代表にウォーカー氏 オーストラリアNSW州政府が任命
