Amin Abbas

ABU DHABI: The first UAE-Japan Joint Business Council Forum was held on April 18 at the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, UAE.

Under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative (CSPI), which was launched between the leaders of the two countries in 2022, the business council aims to further deepen dialogue between the governments of both countries and promote exchanges between private companies across sectors between Japan and the UAE established for a purpose.

At the outset, Masoud Rahama Al Masood, Co-Chairman of the Business Council, gave an opening speech on behalf of the UAE side saying: “We are grateful that we were able to reach this day through the efforts of the governments of both countries. Japanese companies are expanding into the UAE, we welcome cooperation and support.”

On the Japanese side, Nobuhiro Yoshida, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry said: “The two countries are strategic partners, and I would like to express my gratitude to the people involved in both countries with whom we have built a long-standing friendship, and hope that this business forum will further promote exchanges between private companies.”

At the venue, Rashed Al Teneiji Director of the International Business Development & Trade Promotion Dept from the UAE Ministry of Economy gave an overview of the country’s economy and business, and 10 Japanese companies doing business in the UAE were introduced from (gave presentations) five fields: healthcare, water, Web 3.0 innovation, hydrogen, and green materials. They participated and introduced the initiatives of each company. All of these are areas that the UAE’s national strategy is focusing on, and initiatives that contribute to solving social issues, such as examples of collaboration with UAE companies and Japan’s advanced decarbonization technology, were introduced, attracting a great deal of interest from UAE participants.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to each of you for your cooperation, which has greatly contributed to the success of today’s forum and fostering a mutually beneficial opportunity for both Japan and the UAE,” said Nobuyuki NAKAJIMA, secretariat of the UAE-Japan business council and managing director of JETRO DUBAI.

“While this first business council marks a significant milestone, it symbolizes the collective commitment of both the parties. The next business council is scheduled to be held in Japan and in the preparation for this event, we would like the UAE side to share their requests to us, such as which Japanese companies they would like to hear about, and the related fields and topics they are looking forward to. We will proceed with the preparations in line with the requests received. The purpose of this council is to engage in dialogue on a private sector level. Therefore, I urge you to let us know about your various interests, introducing the activities of both companies and suggestions for improvements to the government. We look forward to receiving active requests from all of you,” NAKAJIMA added.

The business council will be held mutually in both countries, with the second one scheduled to be held in Japan.