Abu Dhabi – Japan Business Connect Forum

In line with its strategic roadmap to strengthen cross-border partnerships and support economic diversification, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), in partnership with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), successfully hosted the “Abu Dhabi–Japan Business Connect Forum” in Tokyo on 8 May.

The high-level forum brought together senior government officials and business leaders from Abu Dhabi and Japan to explore investment opportunities, foster bilateral collaboration, and promote sustainable development across priority sectors.

In his keynote, H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADCCI, highlighted Japan’s vital role in Abu Dhabi’s development and trade growth—revealing a 11.9% CAGR in UAE-Japan trade over the past five years and noting that the UAE attracts over 80% of all Japanese investments in the Middle East.

Mr. Norihiko Ishiguro, Chairman and CEO of JETRO, commended ADCCI’s continued efforts in cultivating strong and long-term partnerships with Japanese companies and reaffirmed JETRO’s commitment to deepening economic ties between Japan and Abu Dhabi.

The forum featured presentations on Abu Dhabi’s dynamic business landscape from various business entities, and a showcase of Japan’s investment environment presented by Mr. Nobuyuki Nakajima, Managing Director of JETRO Dubai & MENA.

A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between JETRO and ADCCI to further enhance bilateral business cooperation. The MoU was signed by Mr. Nobuyuki Nakajima, Managing Director of JETRO Dubai and MENA, and H.E. Shamis Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including H.E. Shihab Al Faheem, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Japan; H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi; and Mr. Norihiko Ishiguro. The MoU reflects a shared commitment to strengthening long-term trade relations and unlocking new opportunities for collaboration in key areas such as innovation, sustainability, and advanced technologies, paving the way for sustained mutual growth.

Following the forum, a business matching session was organized, bringing together Japanese and Abu Dhabi companies. The session provided an invaluable opportunity for meaningful exchange, idea-sharing, and potential partnerships. This initiative underscores the strong commitment of both JETRO and ADCCI to fostering closer economic cooperation and expanding new avenues of collaboration between Japan and Abu Dhabi.