Ms Chesters will next week meet with officials from the Japanese Ministry of Defence to discuss further opportunities to export Bendigo-manufactured Bushmaster military vehicles to the Asian nation.

The Japanese Ministry of Defence will soon take delivery of four Bushmaster vehicles which will be used by the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force.

The full-sized models may still be on their way but Ms Chesters will give the Japanese officials a taste of what's to come with the gift of four small replica Bushmasters.

“I am really looking forward to the opportunity to meet and present the Japanese Parliamentary Vice Minister of Defence, Mr Kenji Harada and the Japanese Ministry of Defence with the small gift of replica Bendigo manufactured Bushmasters," Ms Chester said.

“It’s perfect timing as the first Bendigo manufactured Thales Bushmasters are in transit and on their way to Japan."

Ms Chesters' visit will include a briefing on disaster response and international co-operation by the Japanese Ministry of Defence and a meeting with Parliamentary Vice Minister of Defence Kenji Harada.

“It’s an important opportunity to promote Bendigo’s proud defence manufacturing history and we hope, a promising and successful future,” she said.

“I look forward to sharing the great success story of the Bendigo-built Bushmaster and to learn first hand how the Japanese government intends to use our Bushmasters.  I am also keen to discuss future export opportunities.

“I believe that one of the important roles of being the Federal Member for Bendigo is to act as an ambassador for Bendigo manufacturers."

Ms Chesters said the export success of the Bushmaster was testament to the "hard work of the engineering and design team in Bendigo".

"This vehicle produced here in Bendigo has saved the lives of our diggers," she said.

"While many Bushmasters have been hit by improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan, there have been no fatalities.

"The world-class work being done in Bendigo is being exported to the world, with the UK and the Netherlands also purchasing Bushmasters.

"The Bushmaster is an outstanding vehicle with a proven track record of saving troops’ lives."