Page 287 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 2)

4/15/25, 5:04 PM AIM Congress 2025 Enhances Investment Cooperation Prospects Between the UAE, Japan, and Africa
“There are more than 200 SEZs currently operational across the continent, with varying levels of
success. The emerging SEZ 2.0 model emphasizes technology, regional integration, and local value
creation aligned with development goals,” said Paez.

Jasveer Singh, Cluster Director at Arise IIP, emphasized sustainable industrialization through public-

private partnerships.

“We focus on identifying industrial gaps and enabling value-added production at scale through public-
private partnerships. Our zones are not just industrial parks — they are platforms for inclusive economic
transformation,” said Singh.

Gilbert Ewehmeh, Continental Coordinator, Accelerate Africa, called for SEZ models that include SMEs

and align with the AfCFTA.

“The standalone model is giving way to interconnected industrial ecosystems that support the full value
chain, from raw materials to finished goods. This is the future of SEZs in Africa,” he stated.

Dr. Manuel Francisco Pedro, Chairman, Luanda-Bengo SEZ, Angola, stressed stronger governance and
infrastructure.

“SEZs must be linked to AfCFTA goals to drive intra-African trade, harmonize standards, and create a

coherent investment climate. Institutional support and strong governance are key,” said Dr. Pedro.

Japan Talks: Cutting-Edge Innovations Take Center Stage at AIM Congress 2025

In the session “Japan Talks: Innovations Shaping the World”, Japanese leaders showcased next-
generation technology and industrial innovation.

Miho Sato, Deputy Manager, Yokosuka Research Park (YRP), shared Japan’s progress in smart city-

focused 6G development.

“We are building the infrastructure to support future urban innovation through 6G and collaborative
R&D,” said Sato.

Hiroshi Miura, Senior Manager, NTT DATA Group, presented the IOWN technology’s role in global data
transmission.

“IOWN enables high bandwidth and low latency through light-based data transfer—poised to transform

sectors like finance and health,” Miura said.

Takaaki Nakamura, Director, NIFCO Inc., emphasized sustainable manufacturing and NIFCO’s wide
product reach.

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