5th Japan-Arab Economic Forum Held

1. Public-Private Business and Economic Conference (July 10)

During his opening remarks at the beginning of the conference, Minister Saito stated the importance for Japan and Arab countries to address global issues, including decarbonization, energy, water, food, and poverty. In the three discussion sessions following the conference, participants from the public and private sectors held discussions on a wide variety of fields, including (a) the enhancement of mutual investment through the diversification of economic relationships and innovation collaboration, (b) response to climate change, including green products and waste management, and (c) emerging technologies (communications and AI) and the resilience of supply chains. Participants gained many insights into expanding the economic partnership between Japan and Arab countries.

2. Ministerial Conference (July 11)

At the Ministerial Conference, highlighting the fact that Japan and Arab countries are important partners, Minister Saito stated his expectations for deepeningJapan-Arab cooperation in a wide variety of fields, including trade, investment, and energy. Moreover, at the session focusing on Japan-Arab resilient economic development as a theme, State Minister Kozuki delivered a speech explaining Japan’s efforts and future directions concerning the potential for cooperation in and policy efforts for quality infrastructure investment in the fields of energy and digital technology, oil and gas, and the digital industry.

Following the end of the conference, a joint press release was issued. It was announced that the two sides agreed on the future directions of cooperation and that they will hold the Sixth Japan-Arab Economic Forum in one of the Arab countries in 2026.

3. Meeting between H.E. Dr. Gibril Ibrahim Mohamed, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, the Republic of the Sudan, and Minister Saito (July 10)

Minister Saito discussed the enhancement of Japan-Sudan economic ties and expressed his thoughts on the need for Sudan to restore public order and stabilize its society. The two ministers then confirmed that their countries would cooperate in preparations for holding the next Japan-Africa Public-Private Economic Forum. They also reached a consensus to cooperate toward the success of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, which will be held in 2025.

4. Meeting between H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Abdulaziz Mahmoud Bushehri, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and Minister of State for Housing, the State of Kuwait, and Minister Saito (July 10)

Referring to the fact that the two countries have helped each other when facing historical difficulties, Japan showed its expectation for Kuwait to play a role in stabilizing the global crude oil market. Following this, the two sides held discussions on Japan-Kuwait collaboration to expand the use of renewable energy.

5. Meeting between H.E. Mr. Albaraa Aleskandrani, Deputy Minister of Economy and Planning for International Economic Affairs, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and State Minister Kozuki (July 11)

The two sides exchanged views on the advancement of bilateral cooperation under the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 as well as on cooperation in preparations for the success of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

Related Materials

• Joint Press Release for the “5th Japan-Arab Economic Forum” to develop Japan Arab Economic Relations under the Theme: “Japan-Arab New Horizons for Innovation and Creativity” (July 11, 2024)(PDF:80KB)

Divisions in Charge

• Information on Items 1, 2, 4, and 5:

  Middle East and Africa Division, Trade Policy Bureau

• Information on Item 3:

  Africa Office, Middle East and Africa Division, Trade Policy Bureau