AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
IND
Highlights
Queensland launches new Japan-focused strategy underpinned by trade and education
Largest-ever delegation to Japan aims to foster cross-sectoral cooperation
Japanese investments span energy, infrastructure, tech and real assets in Australia
The Queensland Government has unveiled a refreshed approach to international trade with the release of the Queensland-Japan Trade and Investment Strategy 2025–2028. The state’s renewed focus on one of its key export partners comes amid growing interest in deepening bilateral economic cooperation and is expected to positively influence sectors tied to the ASX 200, particularly across resources, infrastructure, education, and technology.
The new framework introduces a multi-pronged effort to enhance Queensland's global trade presence, while aligning with Japan’s continued commitment to economic partnerships across Australia’s east and west coasts.
Strategic Priorities to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Queensland’s strategy targets four major domains for expansion — international education, food and agriculture exports, innovation and technology collaboration, and infrastructure investment. These priorities reflect both existing strengths and emerging ambitions to diversify economic cooperation beyond traditional exports.
While agriculture and resources continue to anchor the economic relationship, there is now growing emphasis on higher-value sectors such as agritech, creative industries, and research innovation. According to the state’s finance and trade leadership, the aim is to move into areas previously underrepresented in bilateral activities.
Historic Delegation Embarks on Japan Mission
Minister Ros Bates is leading the largest-ever Queensland delegation to Japan from the education, research, and training sectors. This trade mission marks a significant step in delivering tangible benefits under the new strategy and reinforces Queensland’s commitment to global collaboration.
The timing of the mission closely follows another high-level visit by the Western Australian Premier to Japan for clean energy discussions. Both initiatives signal an increasing convergence of state-led efforts to expand Japan-Australia cooperation in future-oriented sectors.
Japan-Australia Economic Ties Show Continued Momentum
Recent reporting has outlined a strong trajectory in Japanese direct investment into Australia across a range of sectors including real estate, LNG, renewable energy, infrastructure, and financial services. The Japan-Australia relationship is being shaped not only by trade flows but also by strategic capital deployments and long-term partnerships.
The Future Fund’s inclusion of Japanese markets as part of its global allocation strategy underscores the enduring relevance of Japanese expertise in supporting Australian economic resilience, especially amid shifting global dynamics.
Upcoming Forums to Shape Long-Term Bilateral Collaboration
As bilateral engagement grows, key events are set to further institutionalise partnerships. These include the World Expo 2025 in Osaka and the upcoming Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee conference in Perth. Such gatherings offer platforms for both government and business stakeholders to align on future collaboration in innovation, decarbonisation, and infrastructure delivery.
