I would like to offer my congratulations on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Japan-Australia Business Cooperation Committee and the Australia-Japan Business Cooperation Committee.

ITOCHU Corporation opened an office in Australia in 1957 and was initially involved in the import of wool and other products. Since then, ITOCHU’s business in Australia has expanded to include investment in iron ore and coal interests and trading in these commodities, investment in a seawater desalination project, investment in food companies, and imports of wheat, barley, beef, and other products. Recently, ITOCHU has also been involved in projects incorporating mineral carbonation technologies, green hydrogen production etc.

The Australia-Japan relationship has always been very close both politically and economically, and we have been excellent partners. I look forward to continuing to work on the same issues in various fields, such as carbon neutrality and digitalization, to further strengthen our ties.