Geelong seeks to strengthen ties with Japan for economic growth

A JAPANESE delegation visited Geelong last Thursday (May 30) to explore possible investment opportunities in the region.

Led by deputy consul-general Natsuko Miguchi, the delegation was comprised of senior executives from Japanese companies from a range of sectors such as banking and international trade.

Their visit was organised by Geelong Gallery and Advanced Fibre Cluster Geelong and featured tours of several local manufacturing sites, including Carbon Nexus, Quickstep and Sykes rowing.

Geelong Gallery also hosted an event during the delegation’s visit in which the region’s existing ties with Japan and the city’s trade and investment aspirations were discussed.

Mayor Sullivan said building strong and close connections with Japan was critical to the success of the city’s new International Engagement Strategy, which strives to drive innovation and increase local jobs in the region through international investment.

“The city is constantly seeking to maximise collaboration in order to capitalise on opportunities that will grow the region’s economy, benefiting local companies and workers,” he said.

“Geelong also has a formal Sister City relationship in Japan and we are well on the way to achieving our long-term vision for Greater Geelong to be internationally recognised as a clever and creative region.

“We enjoy a lot of competitive advantage, which has led to some of the fastest business growth in regional Australia. With suitable infrastructure, premier access – via road, rail, air and sea – and available land, Geelong is ideally positioned for further economic growth.”

He said the city was seeking to attract and retain world-leading industries and the new international strategy had identified Japan as a key market.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the Japanese delegation to our city and to have the opportunity to discuss how we can strengthen ties between Japan and Greater Geelong.

“The international strategy, its objectives and initiatives have been developed in alignment with the community’s 30-year Clever and Creative Future vision.

“By 2047, Greater Geelong will be internationally recognised as a clever and creative city region that is forward looking, enterprising and adaptive, and cares for its people and environment.”