SOUTH East officials joined a national delegation to Japan last week as part of a mission to explore opportunities for the nation’s forestry sector.
The delegation was led by the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), Responsible Wood and Member for Barker Tony Pasin, who is the co-convener of a parliamentary forestry group.
The region’s largest forestry company OneFortyOne Plantations was among forestry operators who joined the industry-focused group.
At the top of the delegation’s list was the need to promote Australia as a leader in sustainable forestry management practices.
During the high-level visit, the delegation held talks with bioenergy and paper companies.
“The delegation will update Japanese trade partners on exciting innovations and emerging opportunities in Australia’s sustainable forest industries,” AFPA chief executive officer Ross Hampton said.
“The delegation’s visit is a timely opportunity to promote Australia’s forest industries and highlight new market opportunities with a valued trading partner.”
The national industry leader said the sustainability and innovation of Australia’s forest industries would be at the forefront in the delegation’s meetings, with extra focus on hardwood exports to Japan, as well as emerging biomass markets.
“The delegation hopes discussions will strengthen market access for forest resources into Japan and build on Australia’s reputation as a sustainable, well-regulated and efficient producer of forest products,” Mr Hampton said.
“Following the Australian Government’s release of its National Forest Industries Plan in September 2018, this delegation is also an opportunity to inform the Japanese Government and our trade partners about the opportunities the plan opens up for Australia’s forest industries.”
He said this was particularly through the Australian Government’s commitment to plant one billion new production trees over the next decade, as well as through investment in research and development.
Meanwhile, Mr Pasin said the forestry industry was a cornerstone sector for the South East and the wider Green Triangle.
“The trip was a fantastic opportunity for me to gain a greater understanding of Australian forestry products in Japan, which make up such a large percentage of our exports,” the Liberal MP said.
“For example Australia exported more than 2.5 million tonnes of woodchips to Japan in the 12 months to September, worth about A$492m.”
He revealed much of this was product of the South East.
“The Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement really is having a huge positive effect on our local industry,” Mr Pasin said.
“And with the Federal Government’s National Forestry Industries Plan recently released it was the perfect time to ensure the Japanese Government understands the opportunities that will open up for the forestry sector in Australia and what this means for increased trade.
“I am grateful to industry for organising and funding my travel to Japan.”
