Although the non-commercial benefits have brought immeasurable value to the citizens involved in the relationship, there are also commercial benefits of the affiliation. In addition to the local spending by the regular visitors from Sasebo, the export of education services by Coffs Harbour to Japan is now very well established.
Japanese students coming to Coffs Harbour to study make a direct financial injection into Coffs Harbour by paying their homestay families a weekly rent, as well as paying tuition fees and through other local spending. There is a ripple effect into other Japan-related business opportunities. To this extent, the sister city arrangement is a very worthwhile incubator of these other opportunities.
With organisations such as Coffs Harbour City Council, the Australia-Japan Society and various educational institutions in Coffs Harbour carefully ensuring the integration of Japan-related activities with the local community, we are setting the groundwork for a prosperous, desirable and sustainable relationship with Japan.
The very worthwhile non-commercial benefits of the relationship include fighting racism in the local community, inspiring arts, technology and cultural exchange and developing an international mindset of the local community.
Visits by delegations traditionally there have been delegations from Japan every other year, and a delegation from Coffs Harbour in the following year.
In the past, members of the delegations to Sasebo have included various citizens of Coffs Harbour, who fully self-funded their visit. In 2003, Coffs Harbour received a delegation of 13 officials, including the deputy Mayor of Sasebo, for a three-day cultural and business exchange. The visit coincided with the 15th anniversary of the Coffs Harbour and Sasebo Sister City relationship.