Sydney Fish Markets benefit from NSW Japan agreement

2 Aug 2019

A visit today from Japanese representatives to the Sydney Fish Markets marked the first milestone under a new Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Japan (MAFF).

In November last year, DPI signed the MoC with MAFF to enhance future trade and investment opportunities.

Ryoko Uchida, from DPI’s International Engagement team, said the MoC includes a statement on bilateral cooperation and collaboration on the Sydney Fish Markets.

“Japan recently relocated its famous Tsukiji (Tokyo) fish market, and the first activity under the MoC is sharing the skills, knowledge and experience gained in this process with NSW as it redevelops the Sydney Fish Market,” Ms Uchida said.

“Today the former Chief Director of the Tsukiji Fish Market, Mr Hiroyuki Morimoto, visited the Sydney Fish Market to learn more about the market and provide advice to representatives.

“Based on learnings from this visit, Mr Morimoto, in cooperation with MAFF and DPI, will help develop a customised program for a visit from Sydney Fish Market representatives to Japan in September.”

General Manager of Sydney Fish Market, Bryan Skepper, said today’s visit from Mr Morimoto is the first step in a long-term collaboration that will benefit both regions.

“Sydney Fish Market is keen to establish strong relationships with the Japanese fisheries industry, in the lead up to our relocation to a new Sydney Fish Market which is expected to open in 2024,” Mr Skepper said.

“We are excited about the DPI-MAFF MoC and the opportunities to learn from each other through ongoing collaboration with Japan that will come as a consequence of that agreement.”

Ryoko Uchdia said NSW DPI will continue to closely work with MAFF and the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney to support the Sydney Fish Market program, along with other MoC activities.

“We see many opportunities for NSW and Japan to grow our agricultural and fisheries industries together - today’s visit is the first example of that,” Ms Uchida said.

“The MoC provides the opportunity to collaborate on research and development activities, as well as share advances in knowledge, technology and skills related to agriculture, food and fisheries.”

Media contact: (02) 6391 3686