Abu Dhabi and Japan review investment opportunities in oil and gas, education and health care sectors

The Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Nasser Ahmed Alsowaidi, met yesterday at Abu Dhabi Exhibition Center, with Toshimitsu Motegi, the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, on the sidelines of the World Future Energy Summit held during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The meeting discussed the developments and the progress of work and activities of Abu Dhabi-Japan Economic Council, aimed at strengthening joint cooperation between the two sides and boosting investment, especially in fields of oil and gas, education, health care and industry. Alsowaidi said during the meeting that many common tasks and responsibilities await the Abu Dhabi-Japan Economic Council, which will greatly contribute to advancing development and growth and meet the aspirations of the leadership and the governments of the two countries. Alsowaidi stressed that promising investment opportunities could be provided by the United Arab Emirates during the hosting of Expo 2020, welcoming any Japanese initiatives to strengthen the presence and participation of Japan in this great international event. He invited Japanese companies to benefit from the investment projects which will be implemented in preparation for Expo 2020. For his part, the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and industry, Toshimitsu Motegi, emphasised that Japan is keen to increase its investments in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE in general, especially in the industrial diversification projects targeted by Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, in accordance with the same approach agreed upon by the Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, during Abe's visit to Abu Dhabi in May 2013. The Japanese minister confirmed in this regard Japan's intention to send a "Japanese investment delegation" to Abu Dhabi to discuss and avail of the investment opportunities offered by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in various fields. The Japanese minister said that Japan looks forward for the support of Abu Dhabi government regarding the contracts for land concession of the Japan Oil Development Co. Ltd (JODCO), which will end this year. He expressed hope to further cooperation in other areas, as well, adding that Japan will continue to strengthen cooperation in the education sector, stating the readiness of Japan to host 500 UAE students during the next five years, emphasising the importance of the establishment of Abu Dhabi-Japan Education Development Office(EDO), following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) and Japan International Cooperation Center(JICE) to increase the number of UAE students in Japan and promote cultural exchange and other activities that will contribute to the development of human resources in Abu Dhabi. As for cooperation in the health sector, Motegi said that his country intends to transfer knowledge and expertise to Abu Dhabi, especially for treatment of cancer by carbon ions therapy, noting that advanced Japanese clinics such as the "Medical Excellence Japan (MEJ), will soon open in Abu Dhabi, The two sides expressed their keenness to promote joint cooperation between Abu Dhabi and Japan in various fields through the efforts of the Abu Dhabi-Japan Economic Council, which plays a major role in many sectors through its specialised working teams to achieve the common goals of the two sides and promote mutual investment opportunities in various sectors. - Emirates News Agency, WAM