Tasmania’s peak business body, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), has welcomed a delegation from the Japanese city of Yaizu – Hobart’s sister city.
TCCI Chief Executive Robert Wallace said the visit and a return visit by a Hobart delegation later this year, were important in furthering trade and cultural links.
“Japan is Tasmanians second largest trading partner and these visits, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the Hobart- Yaizu sister city relationship, were extremely valuable,” Mr Wallace said.
“Strong social and commercial relationships are vital for our future economic growth and this relationship with Yaizu has been built up over decades.
“Tasmania is an island and business and community leaders need to travel to meet both established and new partners, and also host return visits from visiting delegations.
“Tasmania has many distinct advantages, both natural and built, that can add value to our marketable products and services. These must be promoted to existing and new customers.”
Mr Wallace said the TCCI, and the business community in general, was very supportive of these relationships that brought many economic benefits.
“Beyond that, they also promoted cultural interchanges that were important for Tasmanians as well as communities in sister cities overseas.
“We join in welcoming the Yaizu delegation and commend the Hobart City Council on its decision to pay a return visit to Japan in May.
“I am confident the visits will result in the identification of new and valuable opportunities for Tasmania,” Mr Wallace said.
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Contact: Robert Wallace, telephone 0457 363 600