RE: Mr. Vowles in Japan11 Apr 2018 18:08
NTNEWS.COM.AU �
Masterplan lays out blueprint for Japan�s future research and investment in the Territory
APRIL 11, 2018
RESOURCES Minister Ken Vowles has met with the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to lay out the masterplan that will be the road map for Japan�s future agriculture and aquaculture research, development and investment in the NT.
�The masterplan gives the Territory a clear trade direction in our agricultural and aquaculture sectors,� Mr Vowles told the NT News from Tokyo yesterday.
�I formalised it by signing a Memorandum of Cooperation Masterplan with Mr Masakazu Ikefuchi from the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
�The door to the Territory�s agriculture and aquaculture industries with Japan is well and truly opened. We have worked out what we are going to do and how we are going to do it.
�I am confident the memorandum will create opportunity for existing businesses and could lead to new Territory agribusiness projects.
�The Humpty Doo Barramundi Farm is an example of an existing business that will hopefully be able to benefit from the masterplan.�
Mr Vowles said he had made it a priority for his department to develop short, medium, and long-term master plans to realise commercial opportunities.
� I�m talking about developmental work on soybean, barramundi and asparagus,� he said. We also need a protocol to introduce my department officers to Japanese companies wishing to invest in the NT.
�Through the masterplan we can target Japanese companies interested in investing in NT agribusiness projects to supply food to South-East Asia and other export markets.
�There is potential for Northern Territory farmers to work with Japanese interests to identify specific markets.
�Asia is a vast market offering huge opportunities for us to increase exports, which creates jobs and boosts our economy.�
�The masterplan has an important role to play in helping to drive our economy.�
Prior to the signing with the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Mr Vowles met with Inpex president and chief executive officer, Mr Toshiaki Kitamura.
�The meeting was to re-enforce the strength of our relationship with Inpex,� Mr Vowles said.
�While the $40 billion project may be in its final construction phase the 40-year relationship is only just beginning.
�Naturally Inpex is very excited about the prospect of the production phase about to get underway.�
Mr Vowles, who is also Minister for the Arafura Games, is today meeting with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology to follow up his invitation to take part in the Games.
�The Arafura Games are a great relationship builder and will further strengthen ties between the Territory and th