Australia-Japan: Friendship and Prosperity

Australian Government Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, has launched a commemorative publication, Australia-Japan: Friendship and Prosperity, to mark the 50^th anniversary of the landmark Commerce Agreement between Australia and Japan.

Mr Truss, who launched the book at the Embassy of Japan in Canberra overnight, said it was worth recalling that relations between Australia and Japan had humble beginnings.

“Fifty years ago, our relationship with Japan was predominantly focused on emerging trade. Now it has grown into a mature and global partnership underpinned by our shared values, common strategic views and enduring people-to-people links,” Mr Truss said.

“Australia-Japan relations today are the best they have ever been in the post-war period.”

Mr Truss said that 10 years after Australia and Japan signed the historic Commerce Agreement, Japan became Australia’s number one export market – a position it has held ever since.

“In fact, our goods exports to Japan are now worth more than our goods exports to the United States and China combined. Japanese products are broadening the choice for Australian consumers.

“Australia-Japan: Friendship and Prosperity showcases the depth and variety of business connections between Australia and Japan which stand to prosper even further as we commence negotiations on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement, and set the direction for our economic relationship over the next half a century.”

Mr Truss said the book details the first recorded arrival by a Japanese person to Australia.

“Mr Sakagawa was an acrobat who landed on our shores in 1871. He got married, bought land and went on to spent the rest of his life managing touring circuses in Queensland.

“It is a remarkable story and there are many other examples in the book that underline a simple but strong point – Australia and Japan depend on each other for prosperity.”

Mr Truss said it was timely for the book to be released so soon after Prime Minister Howard’s productive visit to Japan where he and Japanese Prime Minister Abe signed the historic Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation. The declaration reflects the fact that the relationship today is a genuine partnership all fields of endeavour.

To order Australia-Japan: Friendship and Prosperity, call Focus Publishing Interactive on 02 9336 7000 or log on to www.focus.com.au

Media Inquiries: Minister Truss' office 02 6277 7420 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555