Page 411 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - DECEMBER 2024

1/3/25, 6:09 PM Investopia Tokyo explores investment and financing opportunities in Japanese markets in fintech, new economy
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 emphasized 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.
Japan’s commitment to collaboration
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.”

(Photo Credit: UAE Ministry of Economy)

Promoting investment exchange
Norihiko Ishiguro, chairman of the Japan External Trade Organization (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.”
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, UAE minister of State for Entrepreneurship; H.E. Shahab
Ahmed Al Fahim, UAE ambassador to Japan; and H.E. Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo. Moreover, 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.
Read more | Investopia Europe 2024: UAE Economy Minister highlights strong strategic ties with EU, vows to
deepen mutually beneficial relationship
Enhancing cooperation in the SMEs sector in the two countries
H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei said: “The UAE and Japan share a common vision of developing the SME sector as a
cornerstone of economic growth and sustainability. In line with this, the Ministry of Economy has prioritized
fostering an entrepreneurial environment and supporting the growth of national start-ups within its strategies and
plans. We have introduced a new entrepreneurial ecosystem based on several initiatives, including the establishment
of the ‘UAE Entrepreneurship Council,’ a unified national platform to facilitate business operations, and the launch of
the ‘Entrepreneurship Fund,’ which allocates AED 300 million in incentives to empower graduates to embrace
entrepreneurship.”
Al Mazrouei added: “Tokyo Investopia is a significant platform to discuss the future of the SME sector in both
countries, facilitating the exchange of experiences and insights on global trends in financing emerging projects by
investors and venture capital funds. It aims to support these enterprises in expanding into new markets, as well as to
discuss flexible economic policies to improve the competitiveness of the entrepreneurial environment in both the
Emirati and Japanese markets.”
Investment trends panel
Additionally, the second panel discussion themed ‘New Trends Shaping the Investment Landscape in Japan and the
UAE,’ explored the rapidly evolving global investment climate, and mechanisms for adapting to global economic
transformations and shifts in local policies. It also highlighted the key sectors driving economic diversification in both
countries and the emerging opportunities for investors and cross-border partnerships.
Manufacturing opportunities for Japanese companies
Furthermore, the third session, titled ‘Manufacturing Momentum: Exploring Opportunities for Japanese Companies in
the UAE,’ highlighted the UAE’s accelerated industrial strategy, solidifying its position as a global hub for high-tech
and sustainable manufacturing. From cutting-edge robotics to green energy initiatives, the UAE presents unparalleled
opportunities for Japanese companies by combining Japan’s expertise in precision engineering and innovation with
UAE’s visionary leadership and advanced capabilities in this vital sector.

(Photo Credit: UAE Ministry of Economy)

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