Abu Dhabi's Economic Delegation to Japan Seeks New Partnership Avenues

In an ongoing effort to strengthen connections with major global economies, Abu Dhabi's Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is leading a pivotal economic delegation to Japan from May 6 to May 9, 2025. This strategic visit aims to explore new avenues for cooperation across various high-growth sectors and clusters, symbolizing a unified national initiative to deepen economic and investment ties between the two countries. The delegation comprises top officials and executives from both public and private sectors, including representatives from the Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism Ministry, Abu Dhabi Exchange (ADX), ADGM, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Customs, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), ADNOC, KEZAD, Hub71, Abu Dhabi Airports, and leading enterprises across different sectors.

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, President of ADDED, emphasized that the significant growth of Abu Dhabi's 'Falcon Economy' is enhancing the emirate’s status as an emerging economic powerhouse and a prime destination for global talent, high-value investments, and large-scale enterprises. He stated that as part of initiatives preparing for the future economy, there is a push to bolster partnerships with leading global economies and key trading partners, investing in cutting-edge industries, research and development, and entrepreneurship.

Al Zaabi remarked that Japan has been a key partner for Abu Dhabi and the UAE for over six decades, as evidenced by robust bilateral trade and mutual investments. Over the past five years, trade between the UAE and Japan has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9%. During this period, UAE non-oil exports to Japan saw a CAGR of 8.8%, while imports grew at a CAGR of 12.2%. Additionally, investments from the UAE in Japan have more than doubled over the last five years, with the UAE attracting over 80% of Japanese investments in the Middle East.

This visit signifies the UAE’s commitment to elevate this partnership to new heights through projects aimed at deepening cooperation in clean energy, hydrogen, artificial intelligence (AI), life sciences, and next-generation technologies, all geared towards creating a sustainable future. The bilateral trade and mutual investments are anticipated to further rise with the impending signing of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement between the UAE and Japan, expected to finalize within the year, promoting prospects across sectors and facilitating skill and technology exchanges while opening new markets for both Japanese and Emirati businesses.

The delegation will participate in significant events in Japan, notably the 2025 World Expo in Osaka and SusHi Tech in Tokyo, alongside the 11th Abu Dhabi-Japan Economic Council (ADJEC) meeting. The delegation will also host the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum and the Abu Dhabi-Tokyo Business Forum aimed at reinforcing cooperation, attracting talent, businesses, and investments to Abu Dhabi.

His Excellency Shihab Ahmed Alfaheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan, noted that this visit reflects the deeply rooted and future-oriented partnership between Abu Dhabi and Japan. Japan’s expertise in digital transformation, technology, sustainable mobility, and industrial automation complements the strategic sectors of Abu Dhabi, aligning with a shared vision of a knowledge-based carbon-neutral future. He highlighted that a new era of bilateral cooperation is on the horizon, facilitated by frameworks such as the upcoming comprehensive economic partnership agreement that will enhance market access and increase investment flows between both countries. The UAE Embassy in Tokyo takes pride in supporting this delegation, eagerly anticipating deepening collaboration with Japanese partners to foster long-term sustainable growth.

Since its inception in 2011, ADJEC, co-chaired by ADDED and Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East (JCCME), has promoted bilateral cooperation across various sectors. Companies affiliated with JCCME operating in Abu Dhabi represent a total capital of 106 billion AED and engage in numerous sectors including oil and gas, contracting, retail, consulting, education, and heavy equipment manufacturing.

Following successful events in London, Beijing, and Shanghai, the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) is set to debut in Japan at Tokyo on May 9, 2025. Managed by Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and ADGM, ADIF provides an opportunity for top executives, business leaders, and investors to explore strategic partnerships and investment opportunities in one of the fastest-growing economies in the MENA region. After keynote speeches, the event will feature roundtable discussions and high-level exchanges with Japanese government representatives and business leaders, focusing on Abu Dhabi's economic competitiveness hubs, including those in smart and autonomous vehicle industries, agri-tech growth, and water abundance, as well as the newly launched health, endurance, longevity, and medicine sector.

Furthermore, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with ADGM and ADIO, will host the Abu Dhabi-Japan Business Connect Forum on May 8, 2025. This exclusive forum will gather high-level business leaders and officials with the objective of fostering international partnerships and exploring global investment opportunities. The forum aims to strengthen economic relations and international partnerships between Abu Dhabi and Japan.

Topics Business Technology)

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