The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) brought together public and private sector leaders at the Tokyo Abu Dhabi–Japan Business Connect Forum to explore key investment opportunities and foster bilateral collaboration in sustainable development and innovation.
The high-level event, which was held in the presence of Shihab Al Faheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan, reflects ongoing efforts to expand cross-border economic partnerships and accelerate mutual growth.
In his address at the Forum, Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADCCI, highlighted the strategic depth of the UAE–Japan relationship:
“Japan has played a pivotal role in shaping our development, from urban planning to industrial growth, and it remains one of our top trading partners.”
Al Zaabi shared that trade between the UAE and Japan has recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9 percent over the past five years. During the same period, UAE investments in Japan more than doubled, while the UAE attracted over 80 percent of all Japanese investments in the Middle East.
He credited Abu Dhabi’s development momentum to its forward-looking infrastructure and investment-friendly environment:
“Our advanced infrastructure, business-friendly ecosystem, smart city and quality of life initiatives have helped us attract global talent, entrepreneurs, and investors. Trade has been a key enabler of this economic growth,”
He noted that non-oil trade grew by 9 percent in 2024, while non-oil exports surged by 86.4 percent over the same period. Al Zaabi also underscored the value of regulatory improvements and digital integration in shaping a more connected future:
“Our advanced infrastructure, business-friendly ecosystem, smart city and quality of life initiatives have helped us attract global talent, entrepreneurs, and investors. Trade has been a key enabler of this economic growth.”
A key highlight of the forum was signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ADCCI and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO). The MoU aims to deepen commercial ties and unlock new areas of cooperation, particularly in innovation, sustainability, and advanced technology.
The agreement was formalised by Shamis Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, and Nobuyuki Nakajima, Managing Director of JETRO MENA, in the presence of Ambassador Al Faheem — symbolising a new chapter of economic engagement between the two partners.
Speaking on the occasion, Al Dhaheri stated:
“The MoU with JETRO marks a key step in deepening economic ties between Abu Dhabi and Japan, while the forum provides a valuable platform to drive investment, foster innovation, and build sustainable partnerships across key industries. By aligning around our shared values — growth, sustainability, and technological progress — we are not only unlocking new business opportunities, but also contributing to a more connected and prosperous global economy.”
JETRO’s Nakajima expressed a similar outlook, affirming Japan’s commitment to expanding its economic collaboration with the UAE:
“This is a significant milestone in enhancing the economic partnership between Japan and the UAE. Japan is committed to expanding its collaboration with the UAE, and this offers an invaluable opportunity to explore new investment avenues and foster mutually beneficial business relationships. As both nations focus on innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation, we are confident that this event will pave the way for groundbreaking partnerships that will shape the future of both our economies.”
The forum and MoU signing represent a shared ambition to build future-ready economies that thrive on innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity.
–Input WAM
