Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) hosted the Abu Dhabi-Japan Business Connect Forum in Tokyo, bringing together leaders from both the public and private sectors to discuss investment opportunities and promote sustainable development and innovation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum, attended by Shihab Al Faheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan, aimed to strengthen cross-border partnerships and stimulate economic growth. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADCCI, highlighted Japan’s role in the UAE’s development, noting the country’s significant contributions to urban planning and industrial growth. He emphasized that Japan remains one of the UAE’s top trading partners.
Al Zaabi pointed out that UAE-Japan trade has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9 percent over the past five years, with UAE investments in Japan more than doubling during this time. The UAE has attracted over 80 percent of all Japanese investments in the Middle East, highlighting the strong economic ties between the two nations.
Al Zaabi also discussed Abu Dhabi’s efforts in economic diversification, noting a 9 percent rise in non-oil trade and an 86.4 percent surge in non-oil exports in 2024. He stressed the importance of regulatory reforms, business-friendly environments, and digital integration in fostering global business relations, particularly with Japan.
A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ADCCI and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO). This agreement aims to deepen business relations and create new collaboration opportunities, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and advanced technologies. The MoU was signed by Shamis Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, and Nobuyuki Nakajima, Managing Director of JETRO MENA, with the UAE Ambassador to Japan in attendance.
Al Dhaheri remarked that the MoU represents a crucial step in strengthening economic ties between Abu Dhabi and Japan. He noted that the forum serves as a platform for driving investment, fostering innovation, and building sustainable partnerships across key industries. Nakajima echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Japan’s commitment to expanding collaboration with the UAE and exploring new investment opportunities. Both nations are focused on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation, paving the way for future partnerships that will benefit both economies.
