• Japan still has the second largest economy in the world
• There have been 5 Japanese Prime Ministers over the past 4 year
• DPJ took power in 2009 after 50 years of LDP rule in Japan
• Hatoyama failure ultimately caused by his inability to fulfil a promise to move the US airbase in Okinawa
• Current Japanese international relations are focused on the US and Asia, in particular China
• Japan public debt is at approx. 200% of GDP, however this is domestic debt not external

Discussion also covered negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement between Australia and Japan. Points addressed by Prof Jain included:

• Relatively slow progress on negotiations due to a change in focus and priorities in Japan, and the impact of Australia's stance on whaling
• Australia seen as a strategic partner in terms of defence
• Business between South Australia and Japan on the decline, but opportunities still exist

New members were introduced, Craig Ellis, Senior Associate, Di Rosa Lawyers and Scott Searles, Business Development, Port of Melbourne.

The night proved to be highly successful, with lively discussion following the presentation and networking in general. The JABCSA would like to thank Constellation Wines for their contributions of wine - your support is greatly appreciated. The JABCSA would also like to thank Aki's Hands for providing the authentic Japanese cuisine catering for the event.

JABCSA Networking

The JABC congratulates Chris Rees, JABC Committee Member and Senior Business Analyst and Consul General Designate to Osaka, Austrade, on receiving the CITCSA 2008 Award for Outstanding Long-term Contribution by an Individual or Organisation. Chris was presented with the award by Deputy Premier Kevin Foley and CITCSA Chairman Mr Nick Begakis AM at the CITCSA Awards Gala Dinner held on the 5th of September in Adelaide.

In announcing Chris as the recipient, the presenter gave an overview of Chris's contribution to the South Australian Business Community:

"Chris commenced his career as a trader with Mitsui & Co (Aust) Ltd and later worked as an executive recruitment consultant in Japan and a product manager for a food processing firm in Australia. He has since held a number of positions within Austrade in Japan, Hong Kong and Australia in various capacities as a trade commissioner and consul. Chris became State Manager South Australia for Austrade in February, 2003, and has since been responsible for helping countless South Australian businesses succeed in export markets.

During his time abroad and in Australia Chris has developed an excellent network of contacts which has been of tremendous help to the South Australian Business Industry. He is especially talented at forging links between government bodies and businesses.

Chris is a valued committee member of the Japan Australia Business Council (JABC) of South Australia and was instrumental in the re-launch of the Council in 2006, and in facilitating a visit by Dr Yukio Hattori (The Iron Chef) to South Australia in that same year. Through his strong interest and passion for Japan, Chris has been an invaluable resource in the development of ties between South Australia and Japan.

Chris has been an active Board Member of CITCSA for the past five years, and been very supportive of the CITCSA charter. He is always willing to assist member organisations of CITCSA and recently compared the Hong Kong Australia Business Association Business Awards evening. He has also been a Committee Member of the Australia China Business Council.

Chris's senior involvement in the Business SA Export Awards each year and the International Business Week are noteworthy. He has also recently been appointed to the South Australian Business Ambassadors Network.

Chris's extensive contribution over the past five years has seen him provide outstanding support to South Australian exporters, emcee countless events, give hundreds of presentations (including many in Japanese), and give tirelessly of his time and experience to the betterment of South Australian business."

Chris will be missed following his move later this year to commence his new role as Consul General to Osaka. We wish Chris much success in his new role and congratulate him on this significant achievement!

Photos from the dinner have been uploaded to the Photo Gallery.

In mid March Mr Michiro Hayashi, Managing Director of JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) Melbourne, visited Adelaide. On the evening of the 18th, Ben, Chris, Simon and I met with Michiro and Charlie Hill (JETRO Melbourne), to look for means to strengthen the relationship between our organizations. Having recently accepted his position in Melbourne, Michiro is responsible for furthering the goals of JETRO in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

JETRO's main purpose is to promote trade and the development of economic relationships between Japan and other countries. As such, Michiro expressed an interest in meeting with JABC members at a JABC event and we look forward to inviting him to speak on JETRO's activities at one of our future seminars.

JETRO Melbourne can assist South Australia-based businesses in gaining information about the Japanese market. A wide range of free support services are available to companies interested in setting up in Japan, including consulting services and temporary office space in Invest Japan Business Support Centers located in major Japanese cities.

I would encourage those not familiar with JETRO services to visit the JETRO Australia website:http://www.jetro.go.jp/australia/

Paul Smith

On the 26th of November the Council held its 2nd AGM since its relaunch in 2006. The AGM provided members with an opportunity to reflect on the Councils first year of operation since its re-establishment and to thank the committee, led by Dr Helen Paige as Chair, for their hard work in building the Council and developing a strong membership base.

The JABC has had a successful year working to promote bilateral trade and improved intercultural relations and awareness for members through a range of networking events and activities. Highlights for the year include participation in International Business Week 2007, hosting a seminar on Japanese Management Style, organising a joint Sapporo Breweries and ABB Grain, JABC event with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Rory McEwen and receiving the award for Small or Emerging Chamber 2007 presented at the CITCSA Annual Gala Awards Dinner in September.

The JABC is looking forward to building on the momentum of 2007 under the leadership of its newly-elected committee. The results of the election of committe members are as follows.

Committee 2007 - 2008

Dr Paul Smith - Chairman
Ms Laura Brooke-Smith - Deputy Chair
Mr Daniel Kelley - Secretary
Mr Ben Sparrow - Treasurer
Mr Chris Rees
Mr Simon Firth
Dr Helen Paige
Mr Des King
Ms Jessica Caston
Ms Kaoru Watanabe
Ms Yoshie Furusawa
Mr Peter Wadewitz
Mr Michael Seeliger

Sally Phillips, an Austrade Trade Commissioner based in Sapporo recently visited Adelaide and gave a presentation on 'Investment Led Trade Opportunities - Japan'. The event held on Monday 3 December 2007 was jointly hosted by Austrade and the Department for Trade and Economic Development.

Sally presented on a phenomenon occurring in Hokkaido with Australians investing $250 million in the past three years. This investment is centered around the small town of Niseko, which in recent years has received a large increase in domestic and foreign tourists thanks largely to investment into the town by Australian skiing and rafting fanatics. The Sydney Morning Herald reported on this unpredented Australian invasion last year.

The talk focused on the opportunities for Australians looking to invest into Japan, with Sally highlighting that the current strength of the Australian dollar and the recent continued growth of the Japanese economy means the timing is right for Australians interested in venturing into Japan. The presentation was followed by discussion of the opportunities, challenges and logistics of establishing a business in Japan.

Sally's slideshow can be accessed from the Austrade webpage

The Australian Minister for Trade Warren Truss welcomed the successful conclusion of the second negotiating round of the Australia-Japan free trade agreement held in Tokyo from 6 to 10 August.

JABC SA wins CITCSA's Small or Emerging Chamber 2007!

The Council for International Trade and Commerce South Australia (CITCSA) Awards celebrate the achievements of South Australia's international chambers of commerce and business councils and the individuals who drive them. This year the Japan Australia Business Council of South Australia (JABC of SA) was awarded the Small or Emerging Chamber Award 2007 for its successful re-establishment, growth and commitment to developing bilateral trade and improving intercultural relations between South Australia and Japan.

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