By Duncan Mackay
June 13 – Australia is hoping that hosting the 2015 Asian Cup will help the country generate new business and trade opportunities across the continent, particularly in Japan.
Australia 2015 officials used Australia’s 1-1 draw with Japan in the World Cup qualifying tournament in Brisbane last night to promote the tournament.
Michael Brown, the Australia 2015 chief executive, revealed that they are already working with the Government to use the Asian Cup as a vehicle to promote Australia.
“Japan is Australia’s second largest trading partner and seven of our top 10 trading partners are all in the AFC region,” said Brown.
“So the AFC Asian Cup is a great opportunity to promote Australia and encourage tourism, business and community leaders of Asia to our shores.
“Australia has a proud history of hosting major international sporting events and our vision for the Asian Cup 2015 is to deliver a world class event that celebrates Asia’s rich football culture and leaves an enduring legacy for the game in Australia.”
Japan beat Australia in the final of the last Asian Cup, in Qatar last year, to lift the trophy.
“Japan has a fantastic history in the Asian Cup, both as hosts of the event in 1992 and winning four of the past six tournaments and automatically qualified for 2015,” said Brown.
“Asia is the fastest growing football market in the world and the AFC Asian Cup 2015 is expected to reach a television audience of about 2.5 billion people.
“In Japan during the last tournament there was a cumulative audience of 209 million, so we are keen to ensure people in Japan embrace the AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015.
“With Japan as defending champions, we hope to see thousands of Japanese fans come to Australia to support the team and enjoy our wonderful hospitality and stunning country.”
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