Abu Dhabi's Economic Delegation Visits Japan for New Partnership Opportunities

Strengthening Ties: Abu Dhabi's Economic Delegation Set to Visit Japan

In a significant move to enhance economic partnerships, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is set to lead a delegation to Japan from May 6 to May 9, 2025. This visit is part of a broader initiative by Abu Dhabi to establish more robust relationships with prominent global economies. The delegation aims to explore various sectors and high-growth areas, marking an important step in fostering cooperation.

A Unified Effort

The visit is organized in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Tokyo, showcasing a concerted national effort to strengthen economic and investment relations between the UAE and Japan. The delegation comprises high-ranking officials and representatives from both the government and private sectors. Participating organizations include the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, major investment offices like ADIO, and key companies from the energy, technology, and trade industries.

His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, highlighted the importance of Abu Dhabi's swiftly growing economy, which is becoming a vital hub for global talent and investments. He emphasized, “To future-proof our economy, we are focusing on collaboration with leading economies and investing in advanced industries, R&D, and entrepreneurship.”

A Historical Partnership

Japan has been a crucial economic partner for Abu Dhabi and the UAE for over sixty years, with the strong growth of bilateral trade evident in recent years. The trade between these nations has seen a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 11.9% over the last five years, with notable increases in both exports and imports. With investments from Abu Dhabi to Japan more than doubling during this period, the visit is poised to elevate this bilateral relationship further.

H.E. Al Zaabi also pointed out plans to deepen cooperation in emerging fields such as clean energy, hydrogen, artificial intelligence, life sciences, and cutting-edge technologies, which are essential for building a sustainable and innovative future.

Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

The ongoing discussions are likely to culminate in the UAE-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), set for finalization later this year. This agreement is expected to unlock numerous opportunities across various sectors, enhancing technology exchange and opening new markets for businesses in both countries.

To facilitate these discussions, the delegation will participate in significant events such as Expo 2025 Osaka and the 11th Abu Dhabi Japan Economic Council (ADJEC) meeting while organizing the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) and a separate Abu Dhabi-Tokyo Business Forum aimed at collaborating and attracting talent and investment.

Hosting Business Forums

The ADIF, making its Japan debut, is anticipated to be a major platform where key business leaders and investors can explore strategic partnerships. This event, slated for May 9, 2025, will feature notable keynote speeches and panel discussions focusing on Abu Dhabi’s core economic clusters including Smart and Autonomous Vehicles, Agrifood Growth, and Health and Longevity.

Meanwhile, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), in partnership with other economic entities, will host a unique business forum on May 8 to further enhance international partnerships and explore global investment opportunities.

Conclusion: A New Era of Cooperation

The upcoming visit of Abu Dhabi’s delegation to Japan is not just a formality; it represents a pivotal moment in the longstanding relationship between the two entities. With a shared vision for a sustainable and technology-driven economy, both nations are on the verge of a new era of cooperation that promises mutual benefits and growth in the coming years. The UAE Embassy in Tokyo eagerly supports this initiative and anticipates deepened engagement with Japanese counterparts to promote long-term economic prosperity.

As the interactions unfold, the economic ties between Abu Dhabi and Japan will likely strengthen, paving the way for fruitful collaborations and investment prospects that stand to benefit both economies as they forge ahead into a competitive global landscape.