Page 58 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - DECEMBER 2024 (International)

Press Release

private sector. Japan is also one of the largest economies in the world and a home to new economic
fields, especially technology and innovation,” H.E. Bin Touq said.

H.E. Bin Touq continued: “Thanks to the directives of our wise leadership, the UAE has witnessed
a remarkable transformation in diversifying its national economy, with non-oil sectors now
contributing 75 per cent to the country’s GDP. This reflects the UAE’s rapid progress in
transitioning to an innovative economic model based on flexibility and sustainability and moving
steadily towards becoming the global center of the new economy by the next decade in line with
the goals outlined in ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.”

H.E. Shihab Ahmed Al Fahim said: “The UAE and Japan have enjoyed strong and enduring
relations for over half a century, built on a foundation of mutual trust and understanding at various
levels, particularly in economic and investment sectors, which have witnessed remarkable growth
in recent years.” H.E. Al Fahim emphasised that hosting this year’s edition of the Investopia Global
Dialogues in Tokyo is an important step in strengthening economic cooperation with Japan,
thereby enhancing mutual investment opportunities and driving prosperity of both countries.

H.E. Matsuo Takehiko Vice-Minister for International Affairs at Ministry of Economy, Trade and
Industry of Japan said: "I am very pleased to participate in Investopia, an important event for
discussing the promotion of business exchanges and investment between our two countries. Japan
and the UAE are strengthening cooperation in a wide range of fields, including innovation aimed
at the industrial advancement of the UAE, extending beyond traditional oil and gas sectors. Next
year, the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai will be held, in which the UAE will also participate, and it is
anticipated more active exchange between our two countries. I look forward to fruitful discussions
at Investopia Tokyo that will further enhance these trends."

Norihiko Ishiguro, Chairman of the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), said:"I would
like to once again express my gratitude to H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy,
and H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, and the public and private
companies from the UAE who have come to Japan. We had a valuable opportunity to learn about
the attractiveness of the UAE as an investment destination through speeches by the ministers of
both countries and through the panel discussions. I hope that new opportunities will be created
through exchanges between UAE and Japanese companies. JETRO Dubai and our offices across
Japan remain committed to assisting companies from both markets in achieving this goal.”

The panel discussions of ‘Investopia Tokyo’

Investopia Tokyo event hosted five fruitful and effective panel discussions. The first and main
session was titled ‘Building Thriving Start-ups: Exploring the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in the
UAE and Japanese Markets.’ The panel was attended by H.E. Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei,
Minister of State for Entrepreneurship; H.E. Shahab Ahmed Al Fahim, UAE Ambassador to Japan;
and H.E. Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo. The panel discussed the critical role of
entrepreneurship in fostering innovation and advancing towards knowledge-based economic
models. Resources and advantages offered by the UAE and Japan to encourage creativity, drive
entrepreneurial growth, and facilitate connections with investors and business communities to
secure vital funding were also highlighted during the discussion.