Victoria and Japan share an important and enduring friendship built on trust, mutual respect, collaboration and shared goals. Our dynamic partnership is stronger than ever and has evolved through countless successes, from the first trade agreements between Australia and Japan to the latest collaborations spanning technology, advanced manufacturing, life sciences and education.
Half a Century of Partnership
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the Victorian Government’s presence in Tokyo, celebrating half a century of fostering trade, investment, education and strong people-to-people links. Over the decades, Victoria has deepened its economic relationship with Japan, with the Tokyo office playing a pivotal role in driving exports, supporting collaboration and attracting long-term Japanese investment. Today, Japan is Victoria’s third largest merchandise trading partner and fourth largest source of foreign direct investment. Victoria is home to more than 220 Japanese companies contributing to the state's dynamic economy.
A Shared Vision for a Brighter Future
Home to cutting-edge biotech, medtech and pharma, Victoria is advancing global health through world-class research, commercialisation and collaboration backed by strong government investment, advanced manufacturing and world-class R&D infrastructure. Victoria is also a global technology hub, anchored by Melbourne’s thriving digital economy and innovation ecosystem which nurtures more than 3,500 startups and 18 unicorns.
Together, Victoria and Japan share a vision that translates into tangible benefits and innovative partnerships across key sectors.
“Japan and Victoria continue to draw even stronger synergies in their shared priority sectors. At a time when collaboration in innovation and supply chain security is paramount for success in global markets, Victoria and Japan are exploring new opportunities and partnerships to provide solutions through increased trade and investment. Companies including Saizeriya, Uniqlo, Idom, Rinnai and Yakult started and expanded their Australian operations in Victoria, while Four’N Twenty Pies and IDT Australia have leveraged shared priorities and successfully exported into Japan.”
- Adam Cunneen, Victoria’s Commissioner to North Asia
We also lead Australia’s clean energy transition, with ambitious targets of 95% renewable electricity by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045. A range of decarbonisation solutions that we are exploring, such as carbon capture and storage projects and offshore wind, will help get us there.
As Australia’s largest food and fibre exporter by value, Victoria produces over one-third of the country’s food exports, establishing our position as both the nation’s agricultural powerhouse and a global leader in clean, green and sustainable food production.
Melbourne’s status as the sporting and cultural capital of Australia reflects our expertise in sports technology, major event delivery and infrastructure development.
Koorie Heritage Trust – Federation Square, Melbourne
Our leading innovation is strengthened by a strong commitment to global engagement and cultural exchange. Melbourne’s position as Australia’s cultural capital attracts international talent and visionary businesses from across the world, all looking to build their future in one of the most liveable and globally connected cities. First Nations businesses play a strong role in this success, continuing to innovate and share insight into Victoria’s identity through cultural leadership and enriching the state’s vibrant visitor economy, food, arts and cultural landscape.
Victoria leads Australia in advancing gender equality in business leadership through targeted programs that support women across all sectors. The Global Victoria Women (GVw) initiative exemplifies this commitment by connecting, celebrating and upskilling women in Victoria, including those building strong ties with Japan.
Twelve Apostles, Victoria
Victoria equally benefits from Japan’s global leadership and expertise in high-value manufacturing, robotics and digital technology. From joint investment in clean hydrogen and critical minerals to collaboration in AI, quantum and medical innovation, our partnership continues to evolve, unlocking new opportunities and shaping a future that benefits both economies, the region and the world.
Discover more about partnering for the future by visiting Global Victoria and Invest Victoria.