Premier announces special envoy to Japan

A new special envoy to Japan has been appointed to drive bilateral trade opportunities between NSW and the State’s second largest trading partner.

The current Vice-President of the Australia-Japan Business Co-operation Committee, Bob Seidler, has accepted the envoy role.

NSW Premier Mike Baird today announced Mr Seidler’s appointment in an address to the Hitachi Social Innovation Forum in Sydney.

“Bob has had more than 40 years of commercial experience in Asia and brings a remarkable understanding of the Japanese market to the role,” Mr Baird said.

“Japan is our largest export market and a growing source of investment. I visited Tokyo last year to reiterate the NSW Government’s support for the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement.

“Japan is a priority market for the NSW Government and I am confident Bob will nurture the existing Sister State Relationship between NSW and Tokyo, and identify mutual opportunities that will allow our diplomatic and business relationships to flourish.

Since January 2015, the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA) has expanded opportunities for NSW and Japanese businesses including:

• More than 130 technology jobs are being by NEC after the opening of its new base in Wollongong in October 2016; and
• Lismore-based Macadamia Marketing International will increase production of macadamias from 250 to 1000 tonnes after recently doubling sales into Japan and other Asian markets.

Mr Seidler said the NSW-Japan relationship was the most mature in the region and he was excited to use his expertise and network to drive new trade opportunities.

“The Japan-Australia Economic Partnership (JAEPA) is a game changer for NSW exporters, so I look forward to seeing what doors can be opened for existing and prospective exporters looking to the Japanese market,” Mr Seidler said.