Bridging the economies bilaterally

Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) has been playing a pivotal role in establishing and nurturing bilateral trade ties between UAE and Japan for decades and it will continue to help Japanese companies in decision-making while entering or expanding in the UAE and the region, its top official says.

Nobuyuki Nakajima, Managing Director at JETRO Dubai and Middle East and North Africa (MENA), said JETRO has taken consistent steps to promote Japanese promote Japanese foodstuff ingredients, Japanese Startups, medical equipment’s, contents, handicraft amongst others.

“These products are promoted through business matching platforms by connecting Japanese companies with potential UAE partners by organizing trade missions, seminar and networking event to foster collaboration.  One of the main focuses is to promote and support Japanese SME grow and expand in the UAE market,” Nakajima said during an interview.

JETRO conducts extensive market research to provide Japanese business information on industry trends, consumer preference and regulatory changes. This helps Japanese companies make informed decisions when entering or expanding in the UAE.

JETRO also aids in connecting companies based in UAE to explore potential partners for the Japanese market in various sectors such as health care, startups, F&B, anime etc. through its wide network in Japan.

UAE-Japan Business Forum

Referring to recently signed 23 memoranda of understanding (MoUs), Nakajima said these MoUs will pave the way for further strengthening bilateral between the two countries. “These MOUs are poised to reinforce and deepen the bilateral relations between the two nations, with particular focus on five key sectors: energy, space, health, circular economy and technology.  The UAE and Japan prioritise energy,” he said.

The UAE-Japan Business forum in Abu Dhabi in July 2023 was a huge success with business delegates from both the UAE and Japan attending it. The UAE and Japan signed 23 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) during the UAE-Japan Business Forum. The signings took place in the presence of Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

The MoU fosters business partnerships, joint investments, and tech adoption for industrial and carbon goals. Both countries aim for sustainability, vowing to achieve net-zero carbon by 2050, focusing on green technology and eco-friendly economic growth in MoUs.

5th Japanese Business Delegation to the UAE

JETRO facilitated the visit of the 5th batch of Japanese business delegates to the UAE from March 6 to March 9, 2023 as part of its strategy to strengthen the relationship between Japan and the UAE and support Japanese companies in expanding their international business. “The delegation examined the country's potential as a manufacturing hub and explored investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah. The delegation was led by  Mitsuhito Sendai, the Executive Vice-President of JETRO,” he said.

Sendai headed a group of 12 Japanese companies from different manufacturing industries, such as plastic products, weighing equipment, factory automation machinery, dental materials and equipment, construction and engineering, and AI tech solutions for the manufacturing industry.

Japanese startups potential

Japanese startups and SMEs have an important role in promoting cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, blockchain and other tech verticals. Japan has a strong tradition of innovation and excellence in advanced manufacturing, robotics, and financial services, which are key areas for applying these technologies.

JETRO offers a supportive ecosystem for startups that want to scale globally or enter the Japanese market. Since 2013, JETRO has helped thousands of Japanese start-ups scale globally. JETRO support 700+ Japanese start-ups per year through its 15 different acceleration programs, and 3,000+ through mentoring.

Some of the services that JETRO provides are:

Acceleration programs for Japanese startups in partnership with top-tier accelerators around the world.

Mentoring and connections for Japanese startups by business partners in offices around the globe through the Global Acceleration Hub.

Startup scouting and portfolio services to explore potential startups and watch pitch videos from the most promising ones..

Featured companies and latest posts to showcase the best startups and their stories in Japan.

JETRO supports

JETRO supports Japanese and UAE companies investing in each other's markets.

In the UAE, JETRO Dubai offers info on the market, industries, and regulations through consultations. Seminars and forums facilitate business perspectives and one-on-one meetings.

JETRO Dubai is the central office for the Middle East and North Africa, coordinating trade and investment activities. For UAE companies in Japan, JETRO provides one-stop service through Invest Japan Business Support Centers in six cities. Online support via Digital IBSC and a hotline for inquiries on investment and regulatory reform in Japan are also available.

New Instagram account

In an era dominated by digital engagement, Nakajima said JETRO Dubai has stepped up its game by launching a brand-new Instagram account.

This will offer followers a unique peek behind the scenes about the success stories, seminars, webinars and events organized by JETRO Dubai. Stay connected with JETRO Dubai and access latest information on our activities, all you need to do is hit the ‘’Follow’’ button our Instagram account JETRO_DUBAI.

Business Matching Platform  'E-Venue'

Nakajima also highlighted JETRO’s business matching platform ‘E-Venue’ to identify global partners for Japanese companies.

“We would like to introduce our business matching site, " E-Venue" which is entirely free international business matching website operated by JETRO. Here, you can find global partners on this platform. This platform helps you to find business partners and business needs in international transactions and helps you contact foreign companies,” he said.

• Supplements