GREEN hydrogen and ammonia production talks are on the agenda for premier Mark McGowan’s upcoming trip to Japan and South Korea.

The Western Australian premier has locked in an official visit to the two countries next week to promote opportunities in areas such as investment and business.

Mr McGowan plans promote investment in sectors including defence and agriculture, with a focus on renewable energy, critical minerals and downstream processing.

After travelling to Japan on Sunday (22 January), he is to attend discussions with representatives from Austal, Mitsubishi Corp, Mitsui, Japanese Steel Mills, All Nippon Airways and other companies.

The premier will also meet with government officials, including the governor of Tokyo and the governor of Hyogo Prefecture.

Mr McGowan plans to promote Western Australia’s green hydrogen and ammonia potential to major international investors at the fourth Clean Fuel Ammonia Association International Symposium in Japan.

And, in South Korea, he will meet with Hyundai Motors, representatives from the Korea Gas Corporation and Hyundai Steel.

The premier will also meet with South Korean steel giant POSCO following the state government’s decision this month to allocate industrial land in the Pilbara to the company for its green hydrogen ambitions.

The state government said Japan and South Korea are important trading partners, contributing 85% of the total value of Western Australia’s petroleum exports in 2021-2022.

“WA will be a world leader in battery minerals and renewable hydrogen, and this mission will help to position our State as a major supplier to Japan and South Korea in decades to come,” Mr McGowan said.

“Our relationships with Japan and South Korea are built on mutual respect and understanding, and it’s important we continue to build those successful ties.

“In my capacity as premier and rreasurer, I will be meeting with business leaders and government officials to help attract investment into our state, helping to drive local jobs and diversify our economy.”

Other sectors on the premier’s agenda are tourism, study, biotech and space.