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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

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    9th Apr 2025
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    Trade and Investment

    Chasing the sun – South Australia to be a shining light in Japan

    As the team at the expo site at Yumeshima put the final touches on the pavilion in preparation to welcome guests from around the world, Deputy Premier the Hon Dr Susan Close MP is set to host an opening reception on 16 April, with the likes of the Governor of Okayama as well as a number of trade partners in the room to celebrate South Australia’s sponsorship of the Australia Pavilion.

    But what does our sponsorship mean, and why is it important?

    Vast sums of money have been spent, huge amounts of time and manpower have been dedicated to our presence at expo, and the logistics and ever-changing rules and regulations have been challenging to navigate.

    However, Expo 2025 in Osaka is more than just a world fair – it is a platform for transformative international engagement, a celebration of global innovation, and an opportunity to showcase South Australia in a truly unique, stand-out stunning pavilion.

    With its theme, Designing Future Society for Our Lives, this expo promises to catalyse collaborations and highlight cutting-edge advancements, and we plan to leverage this platform to highlight all that is amazing about our state.

    This is South Australia’s time to shine and contribute to shaping a shared future. Australia’s participation is poised to make a significant impact, and we should be very proud of South Australia’s role as a Gold Sponsor of the Australian Pavilion.

    For South Australia, being a Gold Sponsor is not just holding a few events and having our name in some press releases – it is a strategic investment in the state’s future.

    This role underlines our state’s leadership in sectors that define tomorrow’s economy – sectors such as renewable energy, agribusiness, medtech, and space.

    Our expertise in these areas is critical as the world seeks sustainable solutions to pressing challenges. By supporting the pavilion, South Australia is ensuring that its innovative, pioneering spirit and high-quality products are showcased on a global stage, and, most importantly, OUR PEOPLE will be key to fostering new trade relationships and investment opportunities.

    The delegations we send across to host events and promote our sectors will be as important as the goods and services themselves. I’m sure you’ll agree that a fantastic dish featuring Port Lincoln Southern Bluefin tuna, paired with a Mclaren Vale Grenache and served in the banquet room at the Australia Pavilion can only be elevated by the presence of our best assets – our colleagues, our exporters, and our business owners.

    Expo 2025 offers a rare convergence of commerce, culture and technology, serving as a unique meeting ground for governments, businesses and innovators.

    The Australian Pavilion will have South Australia at its forefront – and literally in the forecourt – and will be a hub of creativity and collaboration, with SA wines by the glass, Coopers beers, and SA food products available for sale.

    Alongside this valuable exposure to the Japanese public, the expo reinforces long-term diplomatic and cultural ties between Australia and key markets in the Indo-Pacific region, especially Japan.

    South Australia’s support of the pavilion demonstrates our commitment to our relationship with Japan, which is crucial in a world that is facing increasing trade and security pressures and challenges.

    We can further cement our status as a strategic partner for Japan in the Indo-Pacific region, creating a pathway for deeper regional collaboration on issues ranging from not only traditional security, but food, energy and cyber security.

    It is the perfect platform to show that South Australia can provide what both regions need to thrive in a dynamic global landscape, from high quality education for Japanese kids in a truly safe and international environment, to opportunities for research and development collaboration in pioneering innovation precincts and globally recognised universities, to the supply of sustainable energy and safe, high-quality food – and all in the same time zone.

    Overall, South Australia's involvement in Expo 2025 is a strategic asset that will drive economic, technological and cultural benefits, and will contribute significantly to our broader mission of global engagement.

    Our six months on Yumeshima, or ‘Dream Island’, at Expo 2025 is just the beginning.

    The visibility and the relationships we will build during the event will serve as a catalyst for extensive follow-up work, including negotiating new trade deals, finalising investment partnerships and nurturing new international relationships. This sustained, post-expo engagement will be essential to realising the long-term benefits of this international showcase.

    South Australia’s active role in Expo 2025 is a dual strategy: it is both a powerful demonstration of the state’s capabilities and a springboard for future economic, cultural and technological advancement.

    Additionally, the work that will follow is a necessary investment to realise the benefits of this high-profile event in the long run, positioning South Australia as a dynamic, forward-thinking leader across the globe. It is both hugely exciting and daunting, but we should be proud our state for putting its best foot forward on the world stage.

    Sally Townsend is South Australia’s Regional Director – Japan and Korea. Based in Tokyo, she leads a team providing support to South Australian companies looking to get products into the region, as well as providing guidance and support to Japanese and Korean companies looking to do business in South Australia.

    Learn more about South Australia's presence at World Expo 2025

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