Page 832 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2025 Part 1

2/24/25, 3:12 PM Al Zeyoudi opens 2nd edition of Japan Trade Exhibition at DWTC
The Japan-Kyoto Trade Exhibition is set to become an annual fixture in the Middle East, providing a
platform for Japanese businesses to showcase their products and services while enabling UAE-
based enterprises to explore new commercial opportunities. Organized by Maico Enterprise, the
exhibition aligns with the growing interest of Japanese companies in expanding their footprint in the
UAE and the broader Middle East, particularly as the two nations advance negotiations on a
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Mai Sakaue, CEO of Maico Enterprise and Chair of the Executive Committee for the Japan Trade
Exhibition emphasized the event’s significant growth in participation, with over 100 exhibiting
companies and brands. This expansion underscores the UAE’s importance as a gateway for
Japanese businesses seeking regional expansion. Additionally, more than 20 Japanese companies
will attend to explore future participation.

On September 18, 2024, the UAE and Japan initiated discussions on a Comprehensive Economic
Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to unlock new economic collaboration opportunities and drive
sustainable growth.

The Japan Trade Exhibition, taking place from February 10-12, 2025, highlights a diverse array of
Japanese companies from sectors including technology, artificial intelligence, aerospace, food
industries, engineering, sustainability, tourism, healthcare, arts, and crafts. The exhibition aims to
explore trade and investment prospects while leveraging Dubai’s strategic location as a global
business hub.

As the first comprehensive platform dedicated to showcasing Japanese innovation in the UAE and
GCC, the exhibition offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with industry leaders, buyers,
retailers, and key decision-makers across multiple sectors in Japan, the UAE, and the wider Middle
East.

Sakaue further highlighted the historical significance of trade between the Arab world and Japan,
stating, “Historical records show that the trade of incense wood between the Arab countries and
Japan has existed since the Heian period, over a thousand years ago. At this trade show, we will
begin the opening ceremony with a performance of incense rituals using incense wood that is more
than a thousand years old, celebrating the origins of our long-standing trade history. We hope that
this event will not only foster future business opportunities but also help build connections between
many people, contributing to peace and development”

“We are thrilled to launch the second edition of the Japan Trade Exhibition, a unique platform for
Japanese industries to establish strong business ties with UAE companies while celebrating Japan’s
rich industrial and cultural heritage. With approximately 30,000 visitors expected, we anticipate an
outstanding opportunity for attendees from the UAE, the Middle East, and North Africa,” said Sakaue.

She added, “The event features over 100 exhibitors spanning industries such as technology, robotics,
and aerospace, including cutting-edge solutions from Japan’s digital space industry, as well as food
and beverage, healthcare, and cosmetics. Key exhibitors include ITOEN, a leading Japanese
beverage company, and AVITA, an innovative startup leveraging over 25 years of research by Hiroshi
Ishiguro to develop AI-driven solutions addressing societal challenges.”

UAE Economy Japan Trade Tourism Exhibition

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