Australia: Doing business in Japan(2)

            Japan is an active member of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation
            (APEC) and the United Nations.
            As the largest creditor nation in the world, Japan supplies Overseas
            Development Assistance (ODA) to many developing countries and
            actively participates in humanitarian programs worldwide.
            The Japanese corporate trade network, particularly throughout Asia,
            is extensive and these connections potentially hold great
            opportunitities for Australian exporters particularly linked to
            Japan's ODA program.
            Japan has traditionally been seen as a closed or difficult market to
            enter for foreign companies, and during the 1980s it was under
            considerable pressure (from the USA particularly), to open up its
            markets to foreign competition.
            Acceptance of foreign imports is increasing as Japanese consumers
            demand greater variety and value for money.
            At times, Japan's bi-lateral relationships with several Asian
            nations have been strained for historical reasons.  However, as the
            economies of many Asian countries are closely linked to their
            growing trade with Japan, concerted efforts by each government are
            assisting in building strong relationships for the new century in
            the Asian region.
            Australia and Japan enjoy excellent relations built on more than 100
            years of bi-lateral trade and exchange.
            Japan signed a bilateral trade agreement - a Free Trade Agreement
            (FTA) with Singapore in October 2000.
            Over the past decade, opportunities for Australian exports to Japan
            are heading increasingly through the massive regional markets of the
            Japanese economic - including the Kansai (Osaka area), as far north
            as Hokkaido, and the southern island of Kyushu.
            Australia is one of only a handful of countries in the world that
            enjoys a trade surplus with Japan.
            Commodities dominate Australia's exports to Japan but the mix is
            becoming increasingly diversified with processed foods and
            beverages, ICT-related products and services and other manufactures
            increasing.
            Major Australian exports to Japan (2007-08):
            Coal ?A$10,946 million
            Iron ore and concentrates ?A$4,904 million
            Beef ?A$1,858 million
            Aluminium ?A$1,820 million
            Major Australian imports from Japan (2007-08):
            Passenger motor vehicles ?A$6,957 million
            Goods vehicles ?A$1,695 million
            Refined petroleum ?A$1,059 million
            Civil engineering equipment  and parts ?A$829 million