Company Profile

ITOCHU Australia Ltd is a 100%-owned subsidiary of ITOCHU Corporation in Japan, which is one of the leading general trading companies, or so-called "sogo shosha". The word "sogo" literally means "general", while "shosha" means "trading or business company". Hence, the term "general trading company".

Trading is one of the main functions of "sogo shosha" - which act sometimes as importer, sometimes as exporter, and sometimes as distributor of goods and services globally. While this traditional style of trading will always remain one of the cornerstones of ITOCHU Australia's business, this role has expanded over the years to meet the fast changing international environment. Other functions now include finance, direct and indirect investment, marketing, shipping and warehousing.

50 years ago, ITOCHU Australia started its business in Australia by buying and exporting wool. This business was the foundation of ITOCHU Australia's business activities. Later we expanded our business operations and presence into a much wider range of business activities. These activities include trading in primary and natural commodities such as iron ore and coal, grains, wood chips and foodstuffs, as well as materials such as chemical products.

Itochu Corporation's mid term management plan, "Frontier+2008", which has been adopted by ITOCHU Australia, aims to enhance our corporate value on the world stage and to ensure that ITOCHU becomes a global enterprise that is highly attractive to all stake holders and respected by global society as a good corporate citizen. While strengthening the core segment within each business division (vertical reinforcement), this strategy aims to develop new business areas, such Life and health care, Infrastructure, New technology & materials, Environment & new energy and Synergy (L-I-N-E-S). We will also accelerate overseas business development, focusing on developing countries with rich natural resources as well as promoting lateral initiatives across ASIA.

Corporate Overview

ITOCHU Australia Ltd

• Founded : 1957
• Number of Offices : 4 (Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth)
  

ITOCHU Corporation

• ITOCHU Corporation
• Founded : 1858
• Incorporated : 1949
• Overseas Offices : 135
• Number of Employees : 42,967 (Consolidated basis as of Mar. 31 2006)
• Tokyo Headquarters : 5-1, Kita-Aoyama 2-chome Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8077, Japan
• Osaka Headquarters : 1-3, Kyutaromachi 4-chome Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-8577, Japan
• Offices in Oceania :
  
  • ITOCHU Australia Ltd (Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth)
  • ITOCHU New Zealand Ltd (Aukland)
  • ITOCHU Corporation (Port Moresby Liaison Office)