ABU DHABI, UAE, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a bid to strengthen its relationship with major global economies, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is spearheading an economic delegation to Japan from May 6 to 9, 2025. The mission aims to explore new opportunities for collaboration across diverse industries and fast-growing sectors. This initiative is being conducted in partnership with the UAE Embassy in Tokyo, signifying a collaborative national effort to bolster economic and investment relations between the two nations.
The delegation includes prominent officials and executives from both public and private sectors, featuring representatives from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), ADGM, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Customs, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), ADNOC, KEZAD, Hub71, Abu Dhabi Airports, along with several major enterprises from various industries.
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, stated: “The burgeoning ‘Falcon Economy’ is firmly establishing Abu Dhabi as an emerging economic leader and a prime destination for global talent, high-quality investments, and top-tier companies. As we endeavor to future-proof our economy, we are committed to strengthening alliances with leading economic partners worldwide while also investing in advanced industries and promoting research and development and entrepreneurship.”
He emphasized: “Japan has been a significant ally for Abu Dhabi and the UAE for over sixty years, demonstrated by the steady rise in bilateral trade and shared investments. Our trade with Japan has experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9% over the last five years, with UAE non-oil exports to Japan growing at a CAGR of 8.8%, and imports rising by 12.2%. Our investment in Japan has also more than doubled in this time, with the UAE now receiving over 80% of all Japanese investments in the Middle East. This visit signifies our dedication to elevating this partnership, particularly in areas such as clean energy, hydrogen, artificial intelligence, life sciences, and emerging technologies to create a sustainable future.”
The upcoming UAE-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), anticipated to be signed by the end of this year, is expected to further enhance bilateral trade and investment relations. This agreement aims to unleash potential across various sectors, facilitating the exchange of expertise and technology while creating new market opportunities for businesses in both countries.
During their trip, the delegation will engage in key events across Japan, including the Osaka Expo 2025 and the SusHi Tech event in Tokyo, as well as the 11th Abu Dhabi Japan Economic Council (ADJEC) meeting. The delegation plans to host the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) and the Abu Dhabi-Tokyo Business Forum to foster collaboration and attract talent, business, and investment to Abu Dhabi.
His Excellency Shihab Ahmed Alfaheem, the UAE Ambassador to Japan, remarked: “This visit represents the strong and forward-looking partnership between Abu Dhabi and Japan. Japan’s expertise in areas such as digital transformation, technology, sustainable mobility, and industrial automation aligns perfectly with our strategic sectors and shared vision for a knowledge-driven, net-zero future. We are entering a new phase of bilateral cooperation, supported by frameworks like the CEPA that will enhance market accessibility and investment flows. The UAE Embassy in Tokyo is honored to back this delegation and looks forward to further engagement with Japanese counterparts to foster long-term sustainable growth.”
Since its inception in 2011, ADJEC, co-chaired by ADDED and the Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East (JCCME), has been pivotal in strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple industries. JCCME member firms operating in Abu Dhabi possess a total capital value of AED 106 billion and are engaged in diverse sectors, including oil and gas, construction, retail, consulting, education, and heavy machinery manufacturing.
Following its previous successes in London, Beijing, and Shanghai, the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) will conduct its inaugural event in Japan at Tokyo on May 9, 2025. Orchestrated by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and ADGM, ADIF serves as a platform for top corporate executives, business leaders, and investors to explore strategic alliances and investment prospects within one of the Middle East and North Africa’s rapidly growing economies. The event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and high-level interactions with Japanese government representatives and corporate leaders, focusing on Abu Dhabi’s economic sectors, including the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industries (SAVI), AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA), and the newly launched Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) sector.
On May 8, 2025, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry ADCCI, in collaboration with ADGM and ADIO, will host the Abu Dhabi-Japan Business Connect forum. This distinguished event aims to bring together high-profile business leaders and officials from both Abu Dhabi and Tokyo to strengthen international partnerships and explore global investment opportunities, enhancing economic relations and international ties between the two regions.