SOUTHERN Ports hosted representatives from the Consulate-General of Japan recently to discuss trade with the Port of Albany.

Consul-General Yasushi Naito and Vice-Consul Noeru Hara were among visitors to the port.

The Port of Albany was one of a handful of stops on the Consul-General’s visit to Albany. He also met with woodchip exporters and representatives from the City of Albany.

Southern Ports CEO Keith Wilks said trade between the Port of Albany is significant.

In the past year, more than 360,000 tonnes of woodchips were exported from the Port of Albany to Japan, with Japan also being on the receival end of the port’s record grain year.

“Over the past year we’ve facilitated more than 1.3 million tonnes of woodchips, grain and mineral sands to multiple ports across Japan,” Mr Wilks said.

“This is 25% of our Port of Albany’s total trade.

“It was special to welcome members of the Consulate-General to tour our port operations and discuss the synergetic agreement which was established more than two decades ago to ensure efficiencies of trade between the Port of Albany and Aburatsu Port.

“As regional ports, it’s terrific to be recognised for our role in building strong relationships with significant trade partners such as Japan and the Aburatsu Port.”

Consul-General of Japan, Yasushi Naito said he was “touched” that Southern Ports flew the Japanese flag for his visit.

“It’s a rare opportunity for us to see in action the inner workings of an international port, especially one based in Australia and in such a beautiful location such as Albany,” Mr Naito said.

“We’ve always had a great working relationship with the Port of Albany and Southern Ports and this visit only strengthened the respect shared between us.”

Southern Ports noted the introduction of the Synergetic Agreement in 2000 following visits between the Port of Albany and Aburatsu Port.

The agreement commemorates the establishment of the Port of Albany’s Berth 6 to facilitate woodchip trade.

It encourages the interchange of technical information and personnel, to ensure the loading and discharging of vessels is as efficient as possible.