The Australia-Japan Foundation's (AJF) 40th anniversary celebrations are now in full swing for 2016.
Launching the celebrations, Mr Murray Mclean, the chair of the AJF said: "2016 will be an exciting year for the AJF. We will use our projects to showcase the diversity of Australian expertise and innovation, and the friendship between the Australian and Japanese peoples."
The AJF's priority projects for the coming year have been announced and include research to improve and advance the economic relationship between Australia and Japan.
Working to advance the economic links between these two countries should be of particular benefit for Australia with regards to the potential investment opportunities that Japan could make into its property market.
There will also be joint research and collaboration between future users of the Australian-hosted Square Kilometre Array radio telescope and opportunities for Australian students to enhance their media and communications skills with internships in Japan.
As a relationship that is founded in common values such as a commitment to law and human rights, plans are to set up a Scouts exchange program including Japanese participants from the Greater Tohoku Region, which was destroyed by the earthquake in 2011.
The work by the AJF enhances close personal and cultural ties between the two countries: currently there are over 100 sister city relationships and six sister state relationships between Japan and Australia.
By working closely with Japan, Australia not only shares in its neighbouring country's culture but benefits from its innovations in technology and its advancements in business. In fact, one of the AJF's key strategic objectives is to increase understanding of the importance of Japan to Australia as a strategic partner.
It's hoped by the AJF that this year, more than others, will highlight that Australia is building on its economic, cultural and humanitarian standing in a way that creates incentive for a peak in visitors and business investors.
