'Iron Chef' Hiroyuki Sakai Dinner

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, the Honourable Ros Bates MP; Iron Chef Hiroyuki Sakai and your travelling party; Trade and Investment Queensland, Executive Director, Strategic Engagement and Communication, Ms Maria Karatzis, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, North Asia, Mr Tak Adachi, and TIQ staff; members of the Queensland delegation who took part in World Expo 2025 Osaka; distinguished guests.  

I acknowledge the Original Custodians of the lands upon which we are gathered this evening, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging. 

It is a great pleasure for Graeme and me to join you this evening.  

Queensland values its strong relationship with Japan, especially in food and agriculture.  

Through the work of Trade and Investment Queensland, our farmers and producers are finding new opportunities in Japan for high-quality beef and other fresh products. 

I also wish to also acknowledge the hard work of Minister Bates in bringing Japan’s and Australia’s interests closer together. 

Her efforts help ensure that our partnership continues to grow in a way that benefits both our State of Queensland and also those who buy and consume our products in Japan. 

Chef Sakai, you have played an important role in introducing local Queensland produce to Japanese people.  

Your support helps show the care we take in farming and the high standards we follow for safety and quality. 

When Graeme and I visited Tokyo in June, we were honoured to dine at your La Rochelle restaurant.  

That visit was part of our effort to promote Queensland’s sustainable farming and clean food practices. 

Tonight, we celebrate this partnership and look forward to even stronger ties in the future.  

Thank you for visiting us again and for welcoming us so warmly in your country.