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A Letter of Intent to formalise closer ties between CSIRO and the Japanese trading giant, Itochu, and to ease access by Australian companies into Asia was signed yesterday at Itochu's Tokyo office.
Mr Takeshi Kondo, General Manager of Itochu's Research Division, signed on behalf of Itochu. The Japanese firm hosted CSIRO senior managers of the Institute of Animal Production and Processing, as well as Glenda Gauci,Counsellor (Trade Policy) of the Australian Embassy, Trade Commissioner Diana Knox of Austrade Japan and Australia's Tokyo-based Industry, Science and Technology Counsellor, Mr Don Smale at a formal signing ceremony.
Mr Kondo said:, "As part of our agreement, a CSIRO representative will work in our Tokyo office to gain understanding of how Japanese firms, and Itochu in particular, conduct their business operations. We hope this Letter of Intent opens the door to a long and fruitful cooperation between CSIRO and Itochu."
Signatory for CSIRO, Dr Chris Mallett, Director of the Institute of Animal Production and Processing, said: "This agreement between Itochu and CSIRO is a great opportunity for Australian food companies we work with and it builds on our earlier Japan project. Asian markets are often difficult to enter for Australian firms and we expect this CSIRO-Itochu initiative to help those companies develop a Japanese presence."
"Itochu will also assist in commercialising CSIRO technologies in Japan and eventually in other countries in Asia where the company has business interests. In return, Itochu and CSIRO will share some of the financial rewards resulting from these commercial ventures. In time, we hope other industry sectors will benefit from this relationship."
Australian Embassy Counsellor (Industry, Science and Technology) Mr Don Smale said: "This initiative is applauded by DIST. It is entirely consistent with our policies to assist Australian firms seeking joint ventures or other business opportunities in Asia. CSIRO and Itochu make sound partners and their cooperation will lead to benefits to both countries' economics."
For more information, contact:
Ms Judy Marcure, CSIRO IAPP
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is Australia's premier research enterprise and one of the largest in the world. CSIRO is active in all aspects of industrial research and development in order to apply science for the benefit of Australian industry and the Australian public.
Itochu is a general trading company with major positions in media, energy and infrastructure, an annual turnover of $US175 billion, and operations in 94 countries.
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