I rise to inform the house about new information relating to the government’s ongoing success in boosting trade and investment opportunities for Victoria. I have just returned from Japan this morning on what was a very successful trip. I met with many banks and investors, all of whom indicated a strong desire to continue and extend their investment in this state.

I am pleased to confirm that in 2016 the 54th Australia-Japan joint business conference will be hosted in Melbourne. This will be a major boost for trade and investment relations between Victoria and Japan. The conference will further reinforce links between Victoria and Japan, and the conference will of course demonstrate that we are a continuing and desirable source of investment.

Japan and Victoria have a longstanding and strong relationship. Japan is our third-largest international investor, with more than 140 businesses here that employ more than 10 000 Victorians. Only last month Rinnai Australia, a subsidiary of Rinnai Global, announced that it would develop a next-generation manufacturing facility in Melbourne’s south-east, creating 160 jobs and securing the jobs of 455 existing employees. Japanese companies are looking to diversify their investments after the mining boom, and they are looking to Victoria to make significant investments.

This is further proof of the strong business climate that exists in Victoria, one we are committed to supporting. Figures released yesterday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that Victoria’s trade increased 6.8 per cent compared to the same quarter last year. The Andrews Labor government is driving economic growth in Victoria through business confidence, attracting investment and getting the job done.