In a move to deepen the Australia-Japan energy partnership, the Australian Hydrogen Council (AHC) and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) have signed a new agreement to advance hydrogen priorities and bolster trade ties between the two nations.
The memorandum of cooperation (MoC), signed on Friday, April 12 at the Australian Japan Business Cooperation Committee (AJBCC) conference in Adelaide, signified the shared commitment of both organisations to explore hydrogen as a crucial element of a low-carbon future.
“This strategic partnership highlights the importance of the Australia-Japan Special Strategic Partnership and our dedication to driving the hydrogen economy forward,” CEO of the AHC Fiona Simon said.
The MoC outlines several areas of collaboration, including joint committees, working groups, industry events, co-branded webinars and the exchange of insights and best practices.
The agreement also aims to facilitate information-sharing on government policies, regulations, and funding opportunities within the hydrogen sector.
Takayuki Watanabe, Managing Director of JETRO’s Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Island operations, emphasised the significance of this partnership.
“We believe that hydrogen will play a vital role in maintaining and improving bilateral relations, and this MoC will lead to more knowledge-sharing between our two countries,” he said.
The move comes on the heels of the inaugural meeting for the Japan-Australia hydrogen initiative held late last year, which sought to strengthen the parallel industries in both nations.
“With Japan as a top trading partner for Australia, the Australian Hydrogen Council intends to champion collaboration between the two nations to accelerate their respective hydrogen industries through strong bilateral ties and cooperation,” Simon said.
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