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Presenting Queensland Business Centre!
L to R: Mrs Yumi Nagata, Mr Ko Nagata, Ms Deidre Light
& Mr Clive Newland
23 April 2013
You can run your business in Japan while you are working in Queensland.
This was the clear message delivered by Mr Ko Nagata, Managing Director of Global Sky Group, at this evening's cocktail reception attended by over 70 Chamber members and guests.
Mr Nagata described the recently opened Queensland Business Centre (QBC), a membership share office in the centre of Tokyo (Kamiyacho) for Queenslanders from any type of business entity or organisation.
QJCCI President Mrs Ling Raines and Mr Shinya Machida, Deputy Consul-General of Japan
QBC is a 'physical entry point' and offers 'ready to go' business facilities including work stations, meeting rooms and many related services that you would expect from a fully serviced office setup, all for a flat monthly fee.
Back-office support includes secretarial services, mail handling, translation and interpretation and your own telephone line answered in your business name. QBC can also facilitate market surveys and product sampling.
To learn more about QBC, or enquire about taking advantage of their services, please visit their website or call +81 3 4540 6300 or fax to 81 3 3436 2760.
QBC is owned and operated by Global Sky Group, a corporation with operations in Japan and Australia, focused upon property, environmental and clean energy solutions.
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For more information please contact:
Mrs Ling (Reiko) Raines, President, QJCCI - tel: 0413 310 999
Mr Paul Sergeant, General Manager, QJCCI - tel: 0412 09 0412
L to R: Mr Ko Nagata, Mr Tak Adchi, Mrs Ling Raines
& Mr Mark Brown
Japan Is Back!
14 March 2013
Abenomics, demographics and economic reform all featured in a bullish report by Mr Tak Adachi at a Chamber reception last night, sponsored by Chamber member Queensland Business Centre (QBC), and attended by over 70 members and guests.
Queensland's Trade Commissioner to Japan, Mr Adachi, delivered a fast paced report titled gIs Japan really back?h which showed the opportunities for Queensland companies in the statefs biggest trading partner.
With his usual flair and interaction with a highly attentive audience, Tak covered such key issues as the strength of the Australian dollar against the Japanese Yen, eAbenomics,' political drivers, changing demographics and the impact of increasingly popular online shopping amongst consumers in Japan. Amazon is now the largest e-tailer in Japan and recently showed a quarterly sales growth of 18.6%.
L to R: Ms Kay Ganley
& Ms Rina Achiwa
Expanding on the 'three arrows' economic policy of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Tak described the easing of monetary policy, the fiscal stimulus package and growth strategies for the future including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Consumer spending in Japan is on the increase with designer brand goods, travel, cars and luxury apartments showing signs of solid growth.
Tak highlighted the phenomenal population growth occurring in Tokyo (up 20 per cent in 2012) and surrounding areas such as Kawasaki and Saitama Prefecture, both with strong connections to Queensland. Kawasaki is home to many global brands such as NEC, Toshiba, Fujitsu, DELL, Canon, Suntory and Hitachi.
Specific opportunities for Queensland businesses were identified in childcare, logistics and agriculture, with the talk highlighting Japanfs strength as the worldfs third-largest economy.
L to R: Mr Paul Sergeant, Mr Bernie Peel
& Mr Craig Hausler
"Japan continues to be a major market for Queensland and the resources of Trade & Investment Queensland are at the disposal of QJCCI members," he said, noting that the newly established Queensland Business Centre in Tokyo would provide a complimentary service to current TIQ facilities.
Takfs comments were welcomed by Chamber President Mrs Ling Raines, who thanked Tak and his office for their ongoing and superb support for Queensland businesses in Japan.
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For more information please contact:
Mrs Ling (Reiko) Raines, President, QJCCI - tel: 0413 310 999
Mr Paul Sergeant, General Manager, QJCCI - tel: 0412 09 0412
L to R: Mr Andrew Fannin, Ms Fumiko Burnett,
Ms Yoko Briese & Mr Stephen Dickens
"Shinnenkai" voted a huge success by all concerned!
20 February 2013
Everyone's meishi (business card) was popular as members and guests were encouraged to network.
The occasion was the Chamber's 2013 Shinnenkai (new year gathering/celebration) and the primary objective of getting everyone to mingle and make new business contacts was certainly achieved.
L to R: Mr Raoul Noffke
& Ms Emma Nicholls
Diversity was highly apparent with professional training organisations,
taxi companies, government representatives, professional interpreters, accountants, bankers and lawyers all competing for the next meishi.
And not to be outdone were resource companies, photographers, media representatives, public relations executives, export managers, migration agents and students.
Chamber President Mrs Ling Raines thanked everyone for their enthusiastic participation and announced the next Chamber event featuring guest speaker, Mr Tak Adachi , Queensland's Trade Commisioner to Japan, scheduled for 13 March 2013 - more details and how to book here.
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For more information please contact:
Mrs Ling (Reiko) Raines, President, QJCCI - tel: 0413 310 999
Mr Paul Sergeant, General Manager, QJCCI - tel: 0412 09 0412
Chamber hosts trade delegation from Kawasaki City
L to R: Mr Kiichi Yoshida, Mrs Ling Raines, & Mr Hiroki Yamamura
A trade delegation from Kawasaki City has been visiting Brisbane this week. With an estimated population of 1.4 million people, Kawasaki City is located in Kanagawa Prefecture and is approximately 30 kilometres form Tokyo.
The delegation was led by Mr Hiroki Yamamura, President of the Kawasaki Industrial Association, and included representatives from the City of Kawasaki, the Kawasaki Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Kawasaki Institute of Industry Promotion and the Kawasaki Industrial Association.
Specific areas of interest for this delegation included waste recycling, advanced water management and solar energy.
Kawasaki delegates enjoy a Queensland beer
The QJCCI was privileged to host these special guests at a reception on
7 February 2013 that was also attended by the Chamber's Premium members and representatives from the Consulate-General of Japan and Trade & Investment Queensland.
Chamber President, Mrs Ling Raines, extended warm greetings to our special guests and commented on the Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) signed with the Queensland Government in July 2011.
"Your visit to Brisbane, Queensland reinforces the strong ties that exist between Queensland and Kawasaki in Japan. On the eve of your departure, we're extremely happy to welcome you here this evening and look forward to continuing cooperation between our regions" Mrs Raines said.
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For more information please contact:
Mrs Ling (Reiko) Raines, President, QJCCI - tel: 0413 310 999
Mr Paul Sergeant, General Manager, QJCCI - tel: 0412 09 0412
Chamber Bonenkai (YNï) a huge success!
December 2012
More than 100 members and guests packed Nagomi Japanese Restaurant at Riverside in Brisbane on Wednesday evening, 12 December, to celebrate another very successful year for the Queensland Japan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QJCC).
Many of the Chamber's younger student (Associate) members enjoyed their first 'taste' of a Chamber event and forged new friendships with more senior members.
Mr Patrick Lynch, Western Union Business Solutions, & Mrs Ling Raines
Welcoming everyone, President Mrs Ling Raines acknowledged and congratulated Chamber member Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) for their outstanding performance in this yearfs Export Awards.
AACo won the QJCCI 2012 Export Excellence Awards, the 23rd Premier of Queenslandfs Export Awards and the 50th Australian Export Awards in the category of Agribusiness.
On behalf of AACo, Mr Hamish McKerrow thanked the Chamber for the great support his company had received throughout the Award process.
Generously sponsored by Chamber member Western Union Business Solutions, the event included delicious Japanese finger foods, Australian wines and a special sake tasting.
Mr Eimatsu Kojima, a 9th Dan Shinsain (Judge) Calligrapher, demonstrated the graceful art of Japanese calligraphy and Japanese hostesses provided origami lessons.
The exchange of business cards (meishi) always plays an important part of networking at these events and our Bonenkai was no exception!
L to R: Mr Levi Smouha, Mr Tetsu Watanabe, Mr Takeshi Takada & Mr Tautomo Tsuchiya
Feedback from guests was hugely positive with everyone now looking forward to our Shinnenkai (VNï) new-year celebration scheduled for 20 February 2013.
The Chamber wishes to thank all members for their support this year, including the successful QJCCI Business Mission to Japan, and looks forward to further success in 2013.
Footnote: Chamber member Browns English Language School enjoyed similar success with this year's Export Awards at Chamber, State and National levels in the category of education - congratulations.
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For more information please contact:
Mrs Ling (Reiko) Raines, President, QJCCI - tel: 0413 310 999
Mr Paul Sergeant, General Manager, QJCCI - tel: 0412 09 0412
Senior ANZ Economist Mr Justin Fabo addresses Chamber
L to R: Mr Justin Fabo, Mr Raoul Noffke, Ms Sonia Uranishi & Mr Anthony Fensom
16 October 2012
Mr Justin Fabo, Senior Economist with ANZ, provided a detailed insight to 'The Outlook for Queensland, Australia, Japan and China Economies' at a cocktail reception hosted by the QJCCI on 16 October.
Key points covered in Mr Fabo's presentation included:
- Global economy & parts of Australian economy still feeling GFC effects
- China enduring a cyclical slowdown but also canft grow at 10%pa forever!
- ANZ sees a bright future in the Asian region as a whole
- Long-term opportunities outside of mining
- Australia: economic momentum has eased but still outperforming
- Interest rates are falling to shore up growth elsewhere
- Business investment boom strongest in a century but resources sector slowing
- Queensland affected by slower population growth, high Australian dollar but mining investment strong boost
- Japan still world's number 3 economy with low unemployment and high incomes
"Australia has significantly outperformed all other advanced economies in recent years. Contrary to popular opinion, consumers are spending but more of it is leaking overseas due to the high Australian dollar,h Mr Fabo said.
gThe resources investment boom is massive, driving the highest level of business investment in 100 years. But once it comes down from that peak, the rest of the economy will need to pick up the slack and thatfs why the RBA has been cutting rates.h
L to R: Mr Shinya Machida, Mr Raoul Noffke
& Mr Hideto Horiguchi
Master of Ceremonies for the evening was the Chamber's newly elected Vice President, Mr Raoul Nofffke, who is also with ANZ as District Executive - Business Banking, for the Southern Brisbane District.
Introducing Mr Noffke, Chamber General Manager Paul Sergeant commented on the recent Annual General meeting held on 3 October 2012 and the first meeting of the newly elected Management Committee held on 15 October 2012 at which officers for the ensuing year were appointed.
"For the 2012-2013 year, we have a very strong team of 10 highly committed Chamber members forming our Management Committee. I am pleased to report that Mrs Ling (Reiko) Raines, ForceOne Enterprises, has agreed to continue for a further year as President.
Mr Raoul Noffke, ANZ, has been elected as Vice President and Mr Tetsu Watanabe, Vincents Chartered Accountants, has been elected Treasurer. Professor Simon Harrison, University of Queensland, has been appointed Secretary".
L to R: Mr Jumpei Morita & Mr James Finlay
- Mr Robert Day - Robert Day Architects
- Mr Anthony Fensom - BWH Communication
- Ms Misa Matsuyama - S & A
- Mr Jumpei Morita - Williams Hall Chadwick
- Mr Chikara Shimizu - International Cross-Cultural Committee
- Mr Levi Smouha - Mills Oakley Lawyers
- Mr Chris Whitecross - Arrowdynamics
The evening concluded with a vote of thanks to ANZ for their support of the QJCCI and sponsorship of yet another very successful Chamber event.
[n.b: a copy of Mr Fabo's presentation is available to members for download in the Members' Only area of our website]
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For more information please contact:
Mrs Ling (Reiko) Raines, President, QJCCI - tel: 0413 310 999
Mr Paul Sergeant, General Manager, QJCCI - tel: 0412 09 0412
Winners announced at 2012 QJCCI Export Excellence Awards
L to R: Mr Brad de Luca, Mr Hamish McKerrow, Mrs Ling Raines, Mr Trevor Steinhardt, Ms Deb' Frecklington, Mr Takeshi Takada, Mr Richard Brown
3 October 2012
The Queensland Japan Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc (QJCCI) today annnounced the winners of the 2012 QJCCI Export Excellence Awards.
The Awards, presented annually, recognise and acknowledge exporting achievements and success in the Japanese market.
This year's Awards, sponsored by Trade & Investment Queensland and Jetstar Airways, were broken into six categories with an overall winner recognised as the Supreme Exporter of the Year.
The 2012 winners:
| | Agribusiness: | Macadamias Australia |
| | Emerging Exporter: | Alt.vfx |
| | Minerals & Energy: | QCoal |
| | Small/Medium Services: | Browns English Language School |
| | Small/Medium Manufacturer: | Macadamias Australia |
| | Large Advanced Manufacturer: | Australian Agricultural Company |
| | Supreme Exporter of the Year: | Browns English Language School |
L to R: Mr David Hall &
Mr Richard Brown
Each Award winner received a trophy with the Supreme Exporter of the Year, Browns English Language School, also winning two round trip StarClass tickets to Tokyo (Narita) kindly donated by sponsor Jetstar Airways.
The Awards were presented by Mr Junzo Fujita - Consul-General of Japan in Brisbane, Ms Deb Frecklington - Assistant Minister for Finance, Administration & Regulatory Reform, and Mr David Hall - Chief Executive Officer, Australia & New Zealand for Jetstar.
Also in attendance were Mr Derek Brown, Queensland State Director for Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade and Mr Rob Whiddon, Managing Director of Trade & Investment Queensland.
Commenting on the Awards, QJCCI President Mrs Ling (Reiko) Raines said gThe innovation, creativity and achievements of Queensland companies in this major market deserves our recognition. Congratulations to all the entrants and especially the Award winnersh.
Entrants in the QJCCI Export Excellence Awards are also eligible for the Premier of Queensland's Export Awards which culminate with a gala presentation dinner on Thursday 8 November 2012. Bookings for the Premier of Queensland's Export Awards gala dinner may be made here.
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For more information please contact:
Mrs Ling (Reiko) Raines, President, QJCCI - tel: 0413 310 999
Mr Paul Sergeant, General Manager, QJCCI - tel: 0412 09 0412
QJCCI Cocktail Reception: Tuesday 28 August 2012
L to R: Ms Jane Prentice MP, Mr Ian Prentice & Ms Raynuha Sinnathamby
Members and guests attended a QJCCI cocktail reception sponsored by Springfield Land Corporation this evening.
Held at The Brisbane Club in Brisbane's CBD, the event featured Ms Raynuha Sinnathamby, Deputy Managing Director of Springfield Land Corporation, as guest speaker.
Ms Sinnathamby's presentation was entitled "Business Opportunities in a New City". Raynuha described some of the history surrounding the development of Springfield since it was first established in 1991.
This new, master planned city is located in South East Queensland, Australia. The 2,860 hectare (7,067 acre) Greater Springfield land parcel has become home to over 23,000 residents and includes Queenslandfs number one golf course, a university, shopping facilities and an award-winning central parkland.
Great emphasis within the Springfield development has been placed upon health , education and modern information technology infrastructure.
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See more photos from this event on our Facebook page.
For more information on Springfield, please contact Ms Nadine Pobar, Springfield Land Corporation's Marketing Manager.
QJCCI missionfs success boosts Queensland-Japan business ties
12 June 2012
Backed by government and business and even blessed by monks, the business mission to Japan launched by the Queensland Japan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QJCCI) has provided a major boost to economic ties.
A number of business deals and alliances are currently being cemented following the successful June 2-10 mission, which is set to further strengthen the relationship with Queenslandfs top trading partner.
Thirteen QJCCI member companies joined the mission led by QJCCI President Ling Raines, which marked the 25th anniversary of the Chamberfs establishment. The mission also coincided with the planned development of a business matching website, aimed at facilitating trade relationships.
The idea behind the mission came from talks in 2011 between QJCCI committee members Robert Day and Anthony Fensom with Mr Tak Adachi, Trade and Investment Commissioner with Trade & Investment Queensland (Queensland Government) based in Tokyo, Japan. The eventfs success was a result of extensive preparations by the QJCCI president Ms Ling (Reiko) Raines and Mr Day, together with meticulous attention to detail by the missionfs Japanese guests along with TIQfs extensive support.
With approximately 100 member organisations, the QJCCIfs membership spans a variety of industries and the mission participants reflected its broad base.
Participants are now focused on following up the ties established in Japan, with Trade & Investment Queensland (Queensland Government) and Austrade keenly interested in the results of the inaugural QJCCI mission.
QJCCI Meeting with Saitama Governor Kiyoshi Ueda and Saitama business representatives - 4 June 2012
Significantly, the missionfs success has been reflected by calls for further such missions by the QJCCI.
Summing up the event, QCCI President Ms Raines said the mission was an important step in revitalising Queenslandfs longstanding trade relationship with Japan.
gJapan is currently undergoing a boom in outward investment, with Japanese companies being urged to ego globalf to seek new growth opportunitiesh.
gWhile Queensland and Japan have major trade ties in the resource/energy industry, this mission has broadened this relationship into other sectors, showcasing the many opportunities available in this state for business growth.h Ms Raines said.
With two-way trade between Japan and Queensland amounting to $14.8 billion in fiscal 2011, there is a strong base to grow from as Japan emerges as a key export partner across a range of industries.
The Queensland Japan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QJCCI) wishes to thank Trade & Investment Queensland (Queensland Government), Austrade and the Consul-General of Japan in Brisbane for their strong support for the mission, along with a number of other representatives for their dedicated time and effort
For a full and detailed report on the Mission, please click here
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For further information, contact Anthony Fensom, BWH Communication, via email or telephone (+61 407 112 623)
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