3rd Japanese SME Caravan to the UAE

In accordance with the MOU signed between the UAE’s Ministry of Economy and the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) for promoting Japanese SME investment across UAE through its program “Japan-UAE SME Platform”, JETRO hosted the visit of third delegation of Japanese SME to the UAE.

The third delegation, comprised of 17 Japanese companies from Food and Beverages sector (tea suppliers, beef and marine products retailers, agriculture, etc.) was hosted from 17th to 20th of February 2019. During their first day, the delegation was toured to the Japan Pavilion at Gulfood 2019 trade show at the World Trade Centre that gave them the opportunity to explore the GCC and Middle East Markets.

On the second day - 18th February, the delegation visited the Emirate of Fujairah and attended a business forum organized by the Fujairah Department of Industry and Economy (DIE). The Fujairah DIE also arranged restaurant tours; visits at Eastern Farm, an agriculture and poultry farm; and a tour at Green Coast Nurseries, a “tissue cultured date palm” farm, in Fujairah.

On the following day, the delegation went to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and visited various facilities such as Emirates Hydroponic Farm, a Japanese restaurant, fish and vegetable markets, and a supermarket selling Japanese products.

On the final day – 20th February, the trip was concluded with another business forum organized by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and a tour at Khalifa Industrial Zone.

The event was very successful, for some were able to find potential business partners when they showcased and presented their products and services during the forum, and all were able to gather essential information on how to conduct business in the UAE.

We at JETRO have kept following up their businesses thru our bilateral support scheme named “Japanese SME Platform in the UAE”. Inaugurated on October 2017, we have been making use of the platform, and have already provided business support for over 100 SME’s so far in total.

By allocating two professional representatives as platform coordinators who conduct market researches and find potential partners, we support SME’ business carefully one by one. Some of them have already successfully started their business in UAE, including an opening of a Japanese restaurant, collaboration in making traditional Muslim fashion textiles, and providing unique techniques to some industrial facilities.

We will continue and keep supporting them to let their business expand more in this area.