Minister Nishimura Visits Palestine and the State of Israel, Pays Courtesy Calls on Presidents, and Holds Policy Dialogue with Minister of Economy and Industry and Other Meetings

1. Palestine

(1) Paying a courtesy call on President Abbas (September 3)

The two sides exchanged views on the expansion of trade and investment between Japan and Palestine. They held discussions on regional peace and stability and the development of the Palestinian economy. Minister Nishimura stated that Japan would like to build a mechanism for helping companies in Japan and Palestine to continue to network with each other.

(2) Meeting with Minister Al=Osaili (September 3)

The two sides held discussions on the potential for collaboration between Japan and Palestine in the industrial field. In addition, Minister Nishimura held discussions with the representatives of 13 Palestinian companies accompanying Minister Al=Osaili

(3) Visiting JAIP (September 3)

Minister Nishimura visited JAIP, a flagship project under the Corridor for Peace and Prosperity concept that Japan has been advancing under its initiative in cooperation with Palestine, Israel, and Jordan in order to promote Palestine’s economic independence.

2. The State of Israel

(1) Paying a courtesy call on President Herzog (September 3)

Minister Nishimura introduced to the president a business mission of companies, including startups, accompanying the minister from Japan. In addition, the two sides exchanged views on the enhancement of economic ties between Japan and Israel. Moreover, they confirmed the need for further enhancing Japan-Israel cooperation in a variety of fields in the public and private sectors.

(2) Attending a plenary meeting of the Japan-Israel Innovation Network (JIIN) (September 4)

The JIIN is a platform to encourage the public and private sectors in both Japan and Israel to collaborate and further enhance Japan-Israel economic ties. The two countries held a JIIN plenary meeting in person for the first time in four years. Minister Nishimura delivered an address and stated Japan’s efforts and future expectations for enhancing Japan-Israel collaboration in innovation.

(3) Japan-Israel Economic and Innovation Policy Dialogue (EIPD) (September 4)

The two countries held an EIPD in person for the first time in four years, just as with the JIIN plenary meeting. Minister Nishimura and Minister Barkat exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including the need to compile a report as early as possible by a joint study group on the Possibility of a Japan-Israel Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), diverse cooperation with regional companies, mid-ranking companies, and SMEs, and cooperation in the field of cybersecurity, e.g., overseas dispatch of Japanese entrepreneurs and other business owners.

(4) Japan-Israel Business Forum (September 4)

The four organizations of METI, the Ministry of Economy and Industry of Israel, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and the Israel Export Institute jointly hosted a Japan-Israel Business Forum. Minister Nishimura expressed his appreciation to Israel for commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Japan in 2022, and he indicated Japan’s expectations toward further consolidating cooperation in the field of innovation.

Division in Charge

Middle East and Africa Division, Trade Policy Bureau