South Australia's trade relationship with Japan is proving fruitful for the Riverland's citrus growers.

Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone MP recently attended a gathering at Parliament House to mark 50 years since the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation between Australia and Japan.

As Co-Chair of the South Australia Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group, Mr Whetstone said the event was an opportunity to celebrate this “important milestone”.

“That’s not just 50 years since signing the papers, it’s 50 years of strong, reliable friendship and trust,” he said.

Mr Whetstone said it had also been more than 10 years since the two countries signed an Economic Partnership Agreement providing preferential access for Australia’s exporters.

“Australia is proud to be Japan’s leading citrus import partner, with much of that produce grown right here in the Riverland,” he said.

“Japan is also Australia’s third-largest horticulture trading partner and second-largest agricultural export market, especially for grain and wheat.

“South Australia is excited to maintain a strong partnership with Japan and continue to work together for decades to come.”