Japan-UAE Innovation Partnership Released

On July 17 (Mon.), 2023, Prime Minister Kishida held a summit meeting with President Mohamed.

Prime Minister Kishida offered to launch the Japan-UAE Innovation Partnership (JUIP), which consists of three pillars, namely Japan UAE Coordination scheme for Advanced Technology (JU-CAT) established in January 2023, a new framework called the Energy Security and Industry Accelerator, and the Cooperation on the Semiconductor and Battery Industries and Technologies. He stated that Japan would like to strengthen cooperation in the field of advanced technology. President Mohamed agreed with this proposal.

Highlights of the specific details of each framework are as follows:

1. Collaboration in decarbonization technologies under the Japan UAE Coordination scheme for Advanced Technology (JU-CAT)

This framework was established in January 2023, aiming to encourage collaboration between Japanese startups in the field of advanced technology and UAE’s investors and contribute to supporting the UAE in decarbonization, industrial development, and fostering of human resources. Taking advantage of this framework, two Japanese startups, Tsubame BHB Co., Ltd. (new ammonia synthesis) and JEPLAN, Inc. (chemical recycling technologies), have succeeded in collaborating with UAE companies. At the same time as Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to the UAE, 11 Japanese startups, including the two above, and one venture capital firm also visited the country to accelerate collaboration with UAE companies.

2. Conclusion of a joint declaration of interest (JDI) on the establishment of the Energy Security and Industry Accelerator (ESIA)

This conclusion aims to establish a framework of comprehensive industrial cooperation between the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Under the framework, the two ministries aim to develop measures against climate change, including collaboration in COP28, enhance energy security, and accelerate advanced efforts involving industries in such fields as hydrogen, ammonia, renewable energy, and energy conservation. The framework works as a complement to Japan UAE Coordination scheme for Advanced Technology (JU-CAT) from the perspective of fortifying Japan-UAE collaboration in advanced technology.

3. Agreement on Cooperation for the Semiconductor and Battery Industries and Technologies

This agreement aims to establish a consultative framework for semiconductors in order to attract investments in the semiconductor business in Japan from Mubadala (a UAE government-owned investment company) in the UAE. Under the framework, Japan and the UAE will identify outstanding projects, leading to investments.

Division in Charge

Information on JUIP in general:

Middle East and Africa Division, Trade Policy Bureau

Information on JU-CAT and ESIA:

International Strategy on Energy Resources Office, Natural Resources and Fuel Department, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy

Information on the Cooperation on the Semiconductor and Battery Industries and Technologies:

IT Industry Division & Battery Industry Office, Commerce and Information Policy Bureau