News Room

Investment Opportunities Promoted In China And Japan

[ 12/05/2008 ]

A delegation of Northern Territory Government and mining industry officials will promote the Territory as a place to do business when travelling to China and Japan this week.

Mines and Energy Minister Chris Natt said Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines (DPIFM) Chief Executive John Carroll will lead the delegation, which includes representatives from companies such as ERA and Arafura Resources.

"The Northern Territory is open for business and we are continually working hard to attract potential Chinese and Japanese investment," Mr Natt said.

"Mining and energy production and extraction is set to grow by 34.3 per cent next financial year to $7.5 billion and is now worth more than 40 per cent of our Gross State Product – and further investment means more jobs for Territory families and an even stronger economy.

"The delegation’s focus will be to match Chinese and Japanese investors with exploration and mining projects in the Territory during their upcoming overseas journey.

"China and Japan have a strong hunger for minerals and energy and the Territory remains a vast land of future opportunities – and we want to make the most of those opportunities.

"The visit to Japan is part of an enhanced Japan investment attraction program involving annual stand-alone Territory seminars.

"DPIFM has been travelling to Japan for the past three years as part of Team Australia delegations and is focused on further increasing its profile in this market.

"This visit will include a seminar in Tokyo hosted by the Australian Embassy and the Japan, Oil, Gas & Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC).

"While I won’t be going on this trip, I will be going to China in November this year to attend the annual China Mining Congress for the third successive time.

"Attending the annual China Mining Congress has directly resulted in strong interest from numerous Chinese companies.

"Almost 30 companies have visited the Territory since I attended the 2006 China Mining Congress with two joint ventures secured and several others currently in discussion."