Wednesday 4 June 2025

Delivered with consecutive interpreting

Konbanwa. Good evening, everyone.

I begin by acknowledging Trade and Investment Queensland, Senior Commissioner for North Asia at Trade and Investment Queensland, Mr Tak Adachi and Director of Queensland Operations, Mr Tony Burnett; distinguished guests.

Thank you, Tak, for your kind words. As Governor of Queensland in Australia, I wish to express my gratitude to for the warm welcome you have given me, and our Queensland delegation to Japan.

I’m delighted to welcome you all this evening to this Tastes of Queensland Showcase and Reception. It’s wonderful to be here in Tokyo – this bustling metropolis mixed with rich history and culture, incredible landscapes and amazing architecture.

And it’s an honour to have more than 100 of you here representing the business, government and industry partners Queensland is working with. Each of you is a valued partner and friend of Queensland, reflecting the strong friendship between Queensland and Japan spanning decades.

The Queensland Government has had an official trade presence here since 1979. It’s been encouraging to hear about the strength of our trade relationship during briefings from Queensland’s longest serving international representative, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, Tak Adachi, and his team.

Japan is Queensland’s fourth largest agricultural export market, valued at $1.65 billion in the year ended March 2025. Our state’s major agricultural export items to Japan include beef, cereals, vegetables and fruit.

Our traditional Japanese trade and investment sectors from agribusiness and education to resources and energy remain strong thanks to some foundational partnerships.

Today is a chance to connect and enjoy Queensland’s more delicate and delicious exports – our food and beverages that are increasingly popular in Japan. The quality, consistency and variety of Queensland’s food and beverages are second to none, and back home, at Government House in Queensland, we proudly feature locally sourced produce in all our menus for official functions, so it is easy for me to promote the Tastes of Queensland with both experience and enthusiasm!

Shared meals bring people together in all cultures. Today, we’re showcasing some of the freshest and finest Queensland produce to give you a taste of what we have to offer in food and agriculture. From Queensland Wagyu beef to some of our most unique exports: macadamia nuts and chilled tropical rock lobster.

Agribusiness continues to be one of the major export industries for Queensland to Japan. Our fresh fruit and vegetables, beef, and organic products are highly sought after. In the year ending March 2025, Queensland accounted for two thirds of Australia’s total beef exports to Japan. The Queensland quality and consistency of cut is what local retailers and consumers appreciate.

I’m delighted that you will have the opportunity to taste some of this world-class food here today.

Queensland is also showcasing our many strengths at the Australia Pavilion at World Expo 2025, in Osaka. I’m looking forward to getting a bird’s eye view of the Expo 2025 Osaka site from the nearby Expo Association building on Friday.

As you can see, we have much in common and much to share and I look forward to strengthening our relationships.

Thank you for taking the time to join me today and for your wonderful hospitality on this mission.

I look forward to speaking with as many of you as I can about the opportunities ahead.

Please enjoy tonight’s event.

Arigato Gozaimasu.

Delivered with consecutive interpreting

Konnichiwa. Good afternoon, everyone.

I begin by acknowledging Iron Chef Hiroyuki Sakai; President, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Professor Kazuhiro Chiba; Trade and Investment Queensland, Senior Commissioner for North Asia at Trade and Investment Queensland, Mr Tak Adachi and Director of Queensland Operations, Mr Tony Burnett; distinguished guests.

Thank you, Tak for your kind words. As Governor of Queensland in Australia, I wish to express my gratitude to you and your fellow officials for the warm welcome you have given me and Graeme, and our Queensland delegation to Japan.

I’m delighted to welcome you to today’s luncheon to share some of Queensland’s world-leading sustainable agriculture practices. It’s wonderful to be in Tokyo for this mission which will inevitably foster greater business opportunities between Queensland and Japan.

Today, I’m looking forward to hearing from experts about Japan’s priorities and targets for carbon emission reduction and sustainable food, and also our Queensland representatives sharing how Queensland’s agricultural sector’s practices can assist you to achieve your goals.

My great thanks to Iron Chef and Queensland Global Connector Hiroyuki Sakai for hosting us at his fantastic restaurant, La Rochelle, for today’s session. You are a wonderful friend to Queensland, and we thank you sincerely.

Domo arigatou gozaimasu to our Japanese friends and partners, and to all those who make Queensland’s food and agri sector such a global success. At the outset, it’s important to recognise that Japan is Queensland’s fourth largest agricultural export market, valued at $1.65 billion in the year ended March 2025.

The major agricultural export items to Japan are cereals, vegetables and fruit – with our beef leading the way. Our Sunshine State is home to some of the most innovative and sustainable producers in the world and the development of cutting-edge AgriTech.

Queensland products are in demand around the world, proudly exporting quality and flavour to global markets, including right here in Japan.  Every bite produced in Queensland conveys a story of dedication, innovation and the passion of our food and beverage industry, from the Gold Coast to Far North Queensland.

Today is more than a discussion – it’s a celebration of the deep ties between Queensland and Japan, built on trust, trade and shared values.

You will also hear from our leaders – including Trade and Investment Queensland’s Mr Tony Burnett – on Queensland’s livestock management for net-zero emissions. He will describe feed innovations, methane-reducing practices, and alternative protein sources.

We will also share some net-zero agribusiness models, including our strategies for achieving and maintaining net-zero emissions in food production.

And we’ll explain how Queensland is approaching emissions reduction and offset opportunities for farmers – and how farmers can participate in sustainability initiatives and offset programs.

As you can see, the business of food has many layers. Thank you for taking the time to join us today. And thank you once again for your wonderful hospitality.

I look forward to speaking with as many of you as I can about the opportunities ahead.

Thank you and enjoy today’s event.

Arigatou Gozaimasu.