22 October 2013
Ben Smee
NT News
Chief Minister Adam Giles with Japan State Minister of Economy Trade and Industry Midori Matsushima. Picture: KATSUMI KASAHARA
The Japan Australia Joint Business Conference in Tokyo.
CHIEF Minister Adam Giles says it is time to develop “the whole of the Territory” to help feed, power and protect Asia.
In a keynote speech to the Japan Australia Joint Business Conference in Tokyo this afternoon, Mr Giles outlined his ambitious vision for Northern Australia to thrive in the Asian century.
The speech was the most important foreign relations moment of his tenure – perhaps the defining moment since he became Chief Minister.
“Now is the time for Northern Australia to be recognised as the key player in the energy security of the Asian region,” Mr Giles said.
“Now is the time for Northern Australia to be developed, to help address the growing issue of food security in the region.
“Now is the time for Northern Australia to play a pivotal role in the geopolitical security within our region.”
In a keynote speech to the Japan Australia Joint Business Conference in Tokyo this afternoon, Mr Giles outlined his ambitious vision for Northern Australia to thrive in the Asian century.
The speech was the most important foreign relations moment of his tenure – perhaps the defining moment since he became Chief Minister.
“Now is the time for Northern Australia to be recognised as the key player in the energy security of the Asian region,” Mr Giles said.
“Now is the time for Northern Australia to be developed, to help address the growing issue of food security in the region.
“Now is the time for Northern Australia to play a pivotal role in the geopolitical security within our region.”
With the INPEX project as a template, the Territory’s underground and offshore gas reserves offered an imminent opportunity for Japanese investment, Mr Giles said.
He received a warm ovation from the audience, which included the heads of iconic Japanese companies and government officials, and invited them to attend next year’s event in Darwin.
In a further sign of the Territory’s growing reputation in Asia, Mr Giles was allocated a keynote 30 minute slot for his speech – three times the floor time allowed to Victorian Premier Denis Napthine and NSW Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner the day before.
He said Northern Australia would benefit greatly from the imminent Asian boom.
“[But] we need to maintain an attractive investment climate, especially for foreign investment,” Mr Giles said.
THE Northern Territory can help power and feed the Asian boom, Chief Minister Adam Giles told the Japanese minster responsible for energy policy.
Mr Giles and Japan State Minister of Economy Trade and Industry Midori Matsushima discussed the possible expansion of NT energy supply to Japan.
“The NT is definitely an important stakeholder for the future of Japan and what we need to do is continue to foster that relationship…look at where we can enhance those opportunities and expand gas development,” Mr Giles said after the meeting.
“What we need to ensure is that we secure our domestic supply of gas for the NT and we’ll be looking at any other opportunity thereafter and I think Japan is one of those opportunities.”
Courtesy of NT News
He received a warm ovation from the audience, which included the heads of iconic Japanese companies and government officials, and invited them to attend next year’s event in Darwin.
In a further sign of the Territory’s growing reputation in Asia, Mr Giles was allocated a keynote 30 minute slot for his speech – three times the floor time allowed to Victorian Premier Denis Napthine and NSW Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner the day before.
He said Northern Australia would benefit greatly from the imminent Asian boom.
“[But] we need to maintain an attractive investment climate, especially for foreign investment,” Mr Giles said.
THE Northern Territory can help power and feed the Asian boom, Chief Minister Adam Giles told the Japanese minster responsible for energy policy.
Mr Giles and Japan State Minister of Economy Trade and Industry Midori Matsushima discussed the possible expansion of NT energy supply to Japan.
“The NT is definitely an important stakeholder for the future of Japan and what we need to do is continue to foster that relationship…look at where we can enhance those opportunities and expand gas development,” Mr Giles said after the meeting.
“What we need to ensure is that we secure our domestic supply of gas for the NT and we’ll be looking at any other opportunity thereafter and I think Japan is one of those opportunities.”
Courtesy of NT News