Japan-Kyoto Trade Exhibition 2025 Launches In Dubai With Over 120 Japanese Companies Participating

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Trade, inaugurated the second Japan-Kyoto Trade Exhibition at Dubai World Trade Centre. This event features over 120 Japanese companies, highlighting the UAE's role as a key hub for Japanese trade in the region. Dr. Al Zeyoudi noted that UAE-Japan relations are gaining momentum, aiming to elevate their long-standing partnership for mutual growth.

The exhibition is expected to become an annual event in the Middle East, offering a platform for Japanese businesses to display their products and services. It also provides UAE-based enterprises with opportunities to explore new commercial ventures. Organised by Maico Enterprise, this exhibition aligns with Japanese companies' growing interest in expanding within the UAE and broader Middle East.

On 18th September 2024, discussions began between the UAE and Japan on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This agreement aims to unlock new economic collaboration opportunities and drive sustainable growth. The exhibition supports these efforts by showcasing diverse sectors such as technology, AI, aerospace, food industries, engineering, sustainability, tourism, healthcare, arts, and crafts.

Dr. Al Zeyoudi highlighted that bilateral non-oil trade between the two nations reached approximately US$17.7 billion in 2024. This marks a 2.2% increase from 2023 and a significant 32% growth compared to 2021. He stated that Japan ranks as the ninth-largest trading partner of the UAE globally and its primary partner in the Gulf region.

The Japan Trade Exhibition will take place from 10-12 February 2025. It serves as a comprehensive platform dedicated to showcasing Japanese innovation in the UAE and GCC regions. The event offers unique opportunities for connecting with industry leaders, buyers, retailers, and decision-makers across multiple sectors from Japan and the wider Middle East.

Mai Sakaue, CEO of Maico Enterprise and Chair of the Executive Committee for the Japan Trade Exhibition, emphasised significant growth in participation this year with over 100 exhibiting companies and brands. She noted that more than 20 additional Japanese companies are attending to explore future participation.

Cultural Exchange and Business Opportunities

Sakaue expressed excitement about launching this edition of the exhibition as it provides a unique platform for establishing strong business ties between Japanese industries and UAE companies while celebrating Japan’s industrial heritage. Approximately 30,000 visitors are expected from across the UAE, Middle East, and North Africa.

The exhibition features over 100 exhibitors from various industries including technology, robotics, aerospace solutions from Japan’s digital space industry along with food & beverage sectors among others like healthcare or cosmetics too! Notable exhibitors include ITOEN - leading beverage company - plus AVITA startup leveraging AI-driven solutions developed by Hiroshi Ishiguro over decades addressing societal challenges effectively!

Startups Eyeing Investment

The upcoming edition has attracted numerous Japanese startups eager to explore investment opportunities within UAE’s pro-business environment supporting emerging enterprises actively! These startups will showcase their latest innovations through dedicated sessions highlighting advancements made across AI robotics sustainability healthcare green infrastructure technologies etcetera!

This premier platform remains vital for presenting innovations directly towards key stakeholders throughout GCC region beyond allowing attendees chance engage commercially alongside industry leaders buyers policymakers partake enriching cultural exchanges fostering deeper understanding collaboration amongst participating nations involved here today tomorrow alike!

With inputs from WAM