A DELEGATION of senior Japanese government agriculture officials has visited the Queensland town of Bowen to talk agriculture and trade.
Among the delegates was Susumu Hamamura, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Welcoming the Japanese group was Queensland agriculture minister Mark Furner.
“This is a very important occasion to make sure we have that trade relationship with Japan to make sure our produce gets in to countries such as Japan itself,” Mr Furner said.
“Visits like this one build on the relationships we forged during our trade mission to Japan last year.
“Stronger relationships and more trade in great Queensland produce mean more jobs in regional Queensland and that is exactly what the Palaszczuk Government is all about.”
Vice Minister Hamamura said he was impressed with the use of technology to conduct agriculture.
“Japanese agriculture has a lot to learn from Australian agriculture,” Mr Hamamura said.
Mr Hamamura also met young agriculture graduates from Japan who are living and studying in the Whitsunday region as part of a Japanese Agricultural Exchange Council program.
“I am sure that their experience here will be very valuable,” Mr Hamamura said.
Bowen Gumlu Growers Association president Carl Walker said it was important to have the vice minister from Japan visiting the region.
“We grow some wonderful vegetables during winter. I think we can build a lovely relationship between ourselves and our Japanese friends.” Mr Walker said.
“There’s huge potential here for joint ventures.”
