The Western Australian (WA) Government’s, China and Japan Connect trade mission concluded in Tokyo, Japan.   

Last month, WA’s Premier Roger Cook, and Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael, led a business delegation as part of the WA, Japan Connect trade mission, promoting the State’s capacity and capability, especially in the fields of energy, technology and innovation. 

The Australian Pavilion's theme during Global New Energy Week at World Expo 2025 Osaka (Expo) provided the perfect opportunity to promote the State’s energy transition efforts. 

"Western Australia’s participation at World Expo 2025 Osaka has provided a powerful platform to highlight the State's efforts to attract investment and strengthen trade and tourism ties with Japan," said Premier Roger Cook.  

As part of the WA Japan Connect mission to Expo, the WA Government proudly hosted eight official events in the Australia Pavilion, highlighting the State’s capabilities and expertise supporting the global energy transition and decarbonisation efforts.   

These engagements, including roundtables, VIP events and networking functions focused on deepening WA’s collaboration with Japan and promoting the State’s role in the global energy transition.  

Highlights included:  

• Business delegates welcomed on their first day in Osaka at the G’Day Japan BBQ event at Expo;  

• Premier Cook’s welcome address at the opening of the Western Australia Global Energy Forum at Expo, along with Minister Michael and WA business; 

• Business delegates sharing insights into the State’s key strengths and capabilities across the global energy transition through participation in panel sessions; 

• Meetings with Japanese stakeholders and discussions with Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King; 

• Business delegates attending the Western Australia Gala Dinner hosted by Premier Cook and attended by the Federal Minister for Resources, Madeleine King, which showcased a bespoke menu featuring WA produce and wine prepared by WA guest chef Silas Masih of Denmark-based Pepper & Salt Restaurant, followed by a discussion on the State's energy capabilities and role in driving the global energy transition;  

• Business delegates also joined the Western Australia Showcase event to reinforce the State’s energy capabilities, culinary experiences and primary industries; 

• Invest and Trade WA hosted the Western Australia CCS Energy Roundtable to discuss the State’s role in driving the global energy transition;  

• The Premier witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Woodside Energy, Japan Suiso Energy, Ltd. and The Kansai Electric Power co. to pioneer the development of a liquid hydrogen supply chain between Australia and Japan; and 

• Guest chef Silas Masih, Head Chef and Owner of Pepper & Salt Denmark curated a delicious menu featuring WA produce and wine across the program of events

Following attendance at Expo, Premier Cook, Minister Michael and the business delegation rounded out the mission with visits to Hyogo, Nagoya and Tokyo, further strengthening WA’s trade relationships and clean energy collaborations through:   

• A site visit to MHI Hydrogen Park;  

• A site tour of Himeji LNG before a tour of the robotics showcase at Kawasaki Heavy Industries Nishi-Kobe works; 

• A meeting with the Governor of the Hyogo Prefecture, to discuss our longstanding sister-state partnership;  

• A site visit to JERA Hekinan Thermal Power Station;  

• A bilateral meeting with Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC);  

• Meetings with Mitsubishi Corporation, Nikkei, Sumitomo Corporation, Marubeni Corporation, Tokyu Corporation and Mitsui & Co.;  

• An Invest and Trade WA-hosted reception welcoming the delegation to Tokyo; and a networking event co-hosted by the Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ANZCCJ), Japan Australia Business Co-operation Committee (JABCC), Australia Japan Business Co-operation Committee (AJBCC) and the WA Government.    

Team WA business delegates returned home with new connections, new insights into the State’s role in the global energy transition and potential new collaboration opportunities with Japan, our second largest trading partner. 

To learn more about trade and investment opportunities between WA and Japan, visit the Invest and Trade WA North East Asia hub.