Page 839 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2025 Part 1

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.

Sakaue told Arab News Japan that the exhibition last year featured companies

mostly from Kyoto. This year’s event sees more companies coming from different
parts of Japan.

She added that she hoped the trade exhibition would help further strengthen the

CEPA negotiations.

This expansion underscores the UAE’s importance as a gateway for Japanese
businesses seeking regional expansion.

The Japan Trade Exhibition is taking place from Feb. 10- 12 and aims to explore
trade and investment prospects while leveraging Dubai’s strategic location as a

global business hub.

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”

https://www.arabnews.jp/en/business/article_140830/#:~:text=This%20expansion%20underscores
%20the%20UAE's,as%20a%20global%20business%20hub