The Hunter region’s future for global investment attraction and industrial growth received a boost, with Investment NSW bringing Japan’s Ambassador to Australia and the Japanese Consul General in Sydney to Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.

The visit has signalled to Hunter businesses that there is a growing view internationally that the region is establishing itself as a global gateway to new industries and resources.

The Japanese delegation visited several Hunter businesses today and receive briefings from the Port of Newcastle, Hunter Hydrogen Taskforce, Hunter Hydrogen Technology Cluster NewH2, Orica, Newcastle Airport and Ampcontrol, and will join a Hunter Energy Investment roundtable hosted by Business Hunter and Hunternet showcasing energy technologies from Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources, AGL Ltd, Energy Renaissance, and Port Waratah Coal.

Acting CEO of Port of Newcastle, Nick Livesey said the visit was extremely constructive, with the delegation impressed with what our port had to offer.
“It was a pleasure to host the Ambassador of Japan to Australia, Shingo Yamagami, the Consul-General of Japan for NSW, Kiya Masahiko and the Managing Director of Idemitsu Australia, Fumi Uyama,” said Mr Livesey

“Japan is Port of Newcastle’s largest trading partner and today we were able to present to the Ambassador our plans for a Hydrogen Hub in Newcastle and its export potential. The Ambassador and his wife also received a helicopter tour of the port, where we were able to highlight future opportunities for growth in diversified trade.

“We were fortunate to also have Mr Uyama in attendance from Idemitsu Australia, who has partnered with Port of Newcastle and Macquarie Group’s Green Investment Group to jointly study the feasibility of exporting and bunkering green hydrogen and ammonia here at Port of Newcastle,” he said.

“Japan is Port of Newcastle’s largest trading partner and today we were able to present to the Ambassador our plans for a Hydrogen Hub in Newcastle and its export potential. The Ambassador and his wife also received a helicopter tour of the port, where we were able to highlight future opportunities for growth in diversified trade.

“We were fortunate to also have Mr Uyama in attendance from Idemitsu Australia, who has partnered with Port of Newcastle and Macquarie Group’s Green Investment Group to jointly study the feasibility of exporting and bunkering green hydrogen and ammonia here at Port of Newcastle,” he said.