Mr Tim Pallas MP – travel report – Japan, 2 to 6 March 2023
| Minister | Mr Tim Pallas MP |
|---|---|
| Portfolio | Minister for Trade and Investment |
| Countries visited | Japan |
| Date of travel | 2 - 6 March 2023 (inclusive) |
| No. of official travel days (including day of departure and day of return) | 5 days |
| Number of accompanying ministerial staff | 1 |
| Accompanied by spouse in an official capacity | No |
| Funding for the overseas trip was paid by (list department/s or agency) | Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions |
| Air fares (including taxes and fees) | $22,400* |
| Accommodation (including taxes and fees) | $1,555* |
| Other expenses (includes surface travel and travel allowances) | $3,075* |
| Travel cost for minister and staff | $27,030* |
*The above costs are not final and complete
Purpose of travel
The purpose of my visit to Japan was to attend the announcement of the $2.35 billion Green Innovation Fund (GIF) commitment by the Japanese Government to commercialise the Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) project in Victoria, alongside the Australian Government**.
This visit allowed me to visit hydrogen production and export demonstration sites that are proposed to be built in Victoria.
The travel to Japan also provided me with an opportunity to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders in Japan to further develop trade and investment prospects for Victoria.
**The commitment is subject to environmental, commercial, and technical due diligence.
Benefits of travel to the State of Victoria
Strengthening the Victoria – Japan Relationship
My travel to Japan was critical to supporting the State’s strong relationship with Japan.
Japan is a significant trade and investment partner for Victoria. Victoria and Japan have a long-standing, multifaceted relationship covering trade, investment, and research collaboration as well as strong people-to-people and cultural ties. Japan is Victoria’s most mature market in Asia and has been a major source of foreign direct investment for Victoria over the last 40 years. By value, Japan is Victoria’s 3rd largest two-way merchandise trading partner valued at $7.2 billion and 4th largest export market.
Due diligence
The travel also allowed the commencement of due diligence on the proposed commercialisation of the HESC project; including visits to demonstration facilities in Japan to gain an understanding of their capabilities and technology.
Next Steps / Follow Up
The Victorian Government is currently undertaking the necessary due diligence on the HESC project via extensive analysis of commercial, technical and environmental feasibility studies.
Page last updated: 16 June 2023