4th Japanese SME Caravan to the UAE

During the month of February, JETRO hosted once again the visit of the 4^th Japanese SME delegation to the UAE. This initiative was in relation to 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”.

The delegation visited UAE from 2^nd to 5^th February 2020, and explored business opportunities of the emirates of Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The delegation was comprised of 13 Japanese companies from various sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, cosmetics, healthcare, IT and F&B.

On its first day, all the 15 members of the delegation gathered in Dubai and were briefed about the overview of the UAE economy and business from Mr. Masami Ando, Managing Director of JETRO Dubai & MENA; as well as about the legal issues from Mr. Masao Morishita of Nishimura & Asahi Legal Office. The following day, 3^rd February, the delegation attended a business forum organized by Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, followed by a networking session and a site visits at the University City, Sharjah International Airport Free Zone (SAIF Zone) and Kingston Holdings FZC.

On 4^th February, the delegation visited one of the world’s most sustainable urban communities and developed smart cities in UAE, the Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. After the visit, the delegation attended another forum organized by Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce. A site visits at Al Tayeb Distribution and Lulu Supermarket were also arranged during that day.

During their last day, 5^th February, the delegation met business people from Dubai with the help of Dubai Exports team. Key industry sectors, investment climate, opportunities and incentives in doing business in Dubai were shared during the business forum. Each Japanese companies was given a time slot to present their products and services during the forum. A networking session was also arranged during that day where delegates had the opportunity to display their products and promote it to businessmen from Dubai. Right after the session, the delegation headed to one of the biggest free zones in the region, JAFZA. Finally, on their way back, the delegates toured to Dubai EXPO 2020 site, providing them the opportunity to see the preparations and expectations from the expo and Japan Pavilion.

The visit was very successful for JETRO received a positive feedback from the delegation. In addition to the essential information they have gathered on how to setup business in UAE, some companies were able to meet potential business partners. JETRO will continue this kind of initiative to support Japanese SMEs expand their business overseas.