• Premier to lead rescheduled education and tourism delegation to China next month
• Ministers Ellery, Johnston and Papalia to also travel to China
• Premier and Minister Papalia then travel to Japan for high-level meetings
• The international mission will focus on strengthening WA's economy and creating jobs

Premier Mark McGowan will be leading an education and tourism-focused delegation to China and Japan next month in his first international trip as leader of Western Australia.

The Premier's visit to China was originally scheduled for this month, but this was changed after China's National Party Congress was announced to begin on October 18.

Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery, Asian Engagement Minister Bill Johnston and Tourism Minister Paul Papalia will join the Premier, along with a delegation of invited representatives from the tourism and education sectors.

The delegation will travel to Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Sister State relationship ahead of a visit to Shanghai. 

Ms Ellery and some university delegates will also visit Guangzhou, in Guangdong Province.

Mr McGowan and Mr Papalia will then travel to Japan to meet the leadership of major Japanese companies, along with senior government figures.

The Japanese visit includes time in Tokyo and Kobe in Sister State Hyogo Prefecture, and will also explore opportunities for greater collaboration in tourism to help boost WA's economy.

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

"China and Japan are Western Australia's two biggest trading partners, together making up nearly 65 per cent of our exports, so it makes sense that my first overseas visit as Premier includes time in each country.

"Both countries have played an integral role in the growth of major export sectors like oil and gas, and iron ore, and also present real opportunities for growth in other industries.

"The Chinese portion of the trip has a particular focus on international education and tourism, both crucial sectors if we are to grow and diversify the State's economy to create more local jobs."