A$1.5B trade ties on show in Japan

The Northern Territory has been showcased on the global stage at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, from 24 to 26 September 2025.

Japan is the Northern Territory’s largest trading partner, with exports worth more than A$1.5 billion annually, and the Expo offers a powerful platform to strengthen this relationship while opening new pathways for Territory businesses.

Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Robyn Cahill, led a 20-member Northern Territory delegation from 18 organisations across industries including hospitality, agriculture, art and culture, energy, digital and AI.

While in Japan, we:

• showcased the Northern Territory
• explored trade deals
• opened new markets; and
• sought new investment.

Taste of Australia’s Northern Territory

Our world-class produce was the centrepiece at the exclusive ‘Taste of Australia’s Northern territory’ barbecue, featuring Humpty Doo saltwater barramundi, Hewitt Foods beef, Rum Jungle buffalo, Austral prawns, Greenview Farm melons and Territory Gin from Darwin Distilling Co.

Energy security focus

We also hosted host a signature energy luncheon in the Pavilion: Australia’s Northern Territory – Globally Significant Gas Resources Set to Drive Cleaner Energy Production. The event included a keynote from Mr Tetsu Murayama, Managing Director and Country Chair Australia, INPEX, and a panel discussion with:

• Mr Dick Stoneburner, Chair and Interim CEO, Tamboran Resources
• Mr Peter Cleary, Chairman/Non-Executive Director, Beetaloo Energy Australia
• Mr Sean Pitt, EVP – Marketing, Trading and Shipping, Santos

“On and offshore gas is important, and we are working with industry to increase their local workforce and minimise their reliance on FIFO,” Ms Cahill said.

The event highlighted downstream value-adding opportunities and positioned the Northern Territory as a leader in Asia’s clean-energy transition.

First Nations

Cultural highlights featured artwork from Merrepen Arts Centre and Marrawuddi Arts and Culture, supported by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, along with a performance by Arnhem Land Songman and ceremony leader Ngulmiya.

Trade and investment

The delegation promoted local businesses and Indigenous enterprises, helping them access international markets and attract investment that supports Northern Territory jobs and regional communities.

While in Japan, Ms Cahill also held high-level meetings with Japanese partners to strengthen ties in clean energy, mining, resources and digital technology.