The AJBCC is again pleased to host a webinar to launch the eighth annual Japan-Australia Investment Report produced by Herbert Smith Freehills and The Australian National University, analysing the prevailing trends driving the investment relationship.
Based on another in-depth analysis of Japan-Australia M&A transactions and partnerships in Australia, the report encapsulates findings and insights on investment trends that defined 2024, and also identifies key drivers for the future including predictions for the trajectory of the Japan-Australia relationship for 2025 and beyond.
There has been a further deepening of the Japan-Australia relationship in 2024, as, during a period of growing international turbulence. Like any partnership there are challenges but tackling these together amidst continued changes in the global geopolitical environment have brought the two countries closer together as indispensable economic partners, particularly in the mutual pursuit of the energy transition to net zero by 2050.
Inbound Japanese M&A saw a record 60 transactions during 2024 with total Japanese direct investment into Australia increasing to a record $141.052 billion. Investments occurred across a broad number of sectors including real estate, energy, technology, financial services, consumer goods, infrastructure, housing, and services. 2024 reinforced the common understanding that Japanese capital and know-how will remain a crucial driver of Australian economic growth, employment, and the ability to export across most sectors.
In this context, partnerships have also continued to flourish as the "third paradigm" for Japanese investment into Australia. A total of 50 partnerships were announced in 2024, building on a total of over 200 bilateral partnerships announced since 2019. Several of the "new energy" partnerships are now progressing to detailed design and implementation phase as the underlying projects aim for commercialisation by 2030.
It is an exciting time for the resilient Japan-Australia investment relationship. The depth and breadth of this complementary partnership is more evident than ever before with expanded government support, bilateral cooperation, and business collaboration.
Event Details
Date & Time: Tuesday, 8 April 2025 | 3:00-4:30pm (AEST)
Format: Online panel discussion (Teams Webinar)
Speakers
- Mr Ian Williams, Vice-President, AJBCC and Senior Advisor, Herbert Smith Freehills
- Mr Damien Roberts, Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills
- Dr Shiro Armstrong, The Australian National University
- Ms Elizabeth Cox, General Manager (North East Asia) Austrade
