Western Australia (WA) has proudly hosted the 62^nd Annual Australia Japan Joint Business Conference.

Held annually since 1963, the conference is jointly organised by the Australia Japan Business Cooperation Committee and Japan-Australia Business Co-operation Committee.

The 62^nd conference brought together more than 700 senior government and industry leaders and attracted the largest, and most senior, Japanese delegation to date to an Australian Host City.

This year’s theme, “Navigating New Realities: Turbulence, Transition, Technology,” provided a timely and insightful platform to further strengthen one of the Indo-Pacific region’s most enduring partnerships.

The three-day program explored the challenges and opportunities arising from shifting global economic, political and security trends, the global energy transition, and emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Highlighting his recent mission to Japan, Premier Roger Cook addressed delegates at both the opening session and conference dinner. The Premier emphasised the strength and importance of the Western Australia-Japan relationship and continued areas for cooperation in energy, defence, innovation and tourism.

David Michael, WA Minister for Mines and Petroleum; Finance; Electoral Affairs; Goldfields-Esperance welcomed delegates to Perth at the Welcome Function, encouraging delegates to explore the investment and trade opportunities available in the State.

Delegates also had the opportunity to participate in a curated site visit program to global industry-leading operations and technology hubs in WA. This included tours of the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct, Rio Tinto’s Remote Operations Centre and Woodside Energy’s Perth facilities.

Delegates who attended the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct received an overview of operations and live demonstration of the technologies of the National Transport Research Organisation (pictured), Australian Flow Batteries and Laawun Energy Solutions.

Invest and Trade WA International Delegate Briefing

Japanese and interstate delegates also attended an Invest and Trade Western Australia delegate briefing for an overview of the WA economy.  

In his address to the delegates at the briefing session, Minster Michael reflected upon his recent visit to Japan, highlighting that the ability to meet face-to-face with key industry partners reinforced the importance of these bilateral relationships, particularly as both Japan and WA navigate the transition to net zero.

Simone Spencer, Deputy Director General, Department of Energy and Economic Diversification provided a high-level overview of WA’s economy and showcased how the State continues to be a reliable and trusted partner to Japan.

Attendees also heard from an esteemed industry panel featuring:

• Gordon Flake, CEO, Perth USAsia Centre, who spoke to the enduring WA-Japan relationship and recent advancements in defence cooperation;
• Jahna Cedar OAM, who provided guidance on key cultural protocols and considerations for Japanese investors when engaging with Traditional Owners, and how to build long-term trust-based relationships with both Traditional Owners and First Nations communities;
• Nicole Roocke, CEO and CFO, Minerals Research Institute of WA, who, having recently returned from Global Energy Week at World Expo 2025 Osaka, shared reflections on the opportunities for collaboration in clean energy and critical minerals with Japan; and
• Shohan Seneviratne, CEO, Murchison Hydrogen Renewables, who shared insight into the unique benefits and advantages that Western Australia offers in the global energy transition.

The event follows Western Australia's activations at World Expo 2025 in Osaka and provides a significant opportunity to highlight the importance of the Western Australia-Japan relationship at both an economic and cultural level. 

Western Australia also recently participated in the International Industrial Fair 2025 in Kobe with the WA Government as a key sponsor of the event further strengthening ties with our sister-state Hyogo Prefecture, which will celebrate 45 years of partnerships in 2026.

Invest and Trade Western Australia would like to thank all delegates and organisers for making the events a success and supporting the ongoing partnerships between both WA and Australia with Japan. We look forward to the continued collaboration and innovation that will emerge from this valuable conference.

Connect with, or learn more about the Invest and Trade Western Australia North East Asia Hub. 

Published on: 14 October 2025