NSW Government offices in North Asia

Japan and the Republic of Korea are among NSW’s most important trade and investment partners.

Japan is NSW’s second largest two way trading partner, valued at $28.3 billion in 2023–24, largely driven by energy and resources.
Korea ranks fourth in two-way trade, totalling $15.9 billion.
Japan is Australia’s third-largest source of foreign direct investment, with $141.1 billion invested in 2023.
Longstanding sister state agreements with Tokyo and Seoul Metropolitan Governments help drive collaboration and strengthen cultural and commercial ties.
Key trade agreements - JAEPA (Japan - Australia Economic Partnership Agreement) and KAFTA (Korea - Australia Free Trade Agreement) - enable preferential market access and investment protection.

Export opportunities from NSW

NSW exporters are well-positioned to meet rising demand across North Asia’s premium consumer markets.

Japan and Korea continue to show strong appetite for:
- high-quality food and beverages
- consumer goods
- education and training services.
NSW is also an emerging partner in:
- cybersecurity
- medtech
- clinical trials and other health innovations
- green technologies
- critical minerals
- defence and aerospace.

NSW’s clean, green reputation makes it a trusted source of goods and services across the region.

Why invest in NSW

NSW is a secure and innovative gateway to the Asia Pacific, offering unmatched opportunities for Japanese and Korean businesses.

NSW has Australia’s largest, most diverse economy and is a driver of national growth.
The state’s deep-water ports, high-voltage transmission and renewable energy assets position NSW as a leader in hydrogen and ammonia production for export.
Critical minerals projects and downstream battery manufacturing are attracting strategic investment which support regional clean energy transitions.
Ambitious new housing targets require the greater use of new materials and innovative production methods.
Strong industry partnerships and government support create a stable environment for long-term investment.

Learn more about investing in NSW

Talk to an expert in the North Asia region

We can help you grow your business in NSW or export products and services to Japan and Korea.

Key contact

David Lawson
Trade and Investment Commissioner, Japan & the Republic of Korea

David leads NSW’s North Asia team and manages high-level trade, investment and government relationships. He brings deep experience from previous roles with Austrade in Tokyo and Osaka.

Contact our team in North Asia

Our offices in North Asia

Tokyo, Japan

Investment NSW, North Asia Office
9F Kyobashi Trust Tower
2-1-3 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku
Tokyo 104-0031, Japan

Email the Japan office

Seoul, Republic of Korea

Australian Trade and Investment Commission
Australian Embassy
18th Floor, Kyobo Building
1 Jongro, Jongno-Gu
Seoul 03154, Republic of Korea

Email the Korea office

Opportunities in North Asia