Abu Dhabi: The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is advancing efforts to enhance its non-oil trade relations by deepening economic ties with Japan, one of its key international partners.
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) and the Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) signed a preliminary agreement on Thursday to expand business cooperation and foster new avenues for partnership. According to a statement issued by the Chamber, the agreement aims to support long-term trade collaboration, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and advanced technologies, WAM reported.
The agreement was signed during the Abu Dhabi–Japan Business Connect Forum in Tokyo, organised by the ADCCI to promote cross-border partnerships and support the UAE’s economic diversification agenda. The signing ceremony was attended by Shihab Al Faheem, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Japan.
The high-level forum convened senior representatives from both the public and private sectors in Abu Dhabi and Japan to explore investment opportunities across key strategic sectors.
Bilateral trade between the United Arab Emirates and Japan has recorded a compound annual growth rate of 11.9% over the past five years. Emirati investments in Japan have more than doubled during this period, while the UAE has attracted over 80% of Japanese investment in the Middle East.
As part of its strategic shift towards economic diversification, Abu Dhabi has prioritised the expansion of its non-oil trade. According to Abu Dhabi Customs, the emirate’s non-oil foreign trade grew by 9% in 2023, reaching AED 306 billion (USD 83.3 billion).
In 2024, non-oil exports increased by 16%, re-exports by 11%, and imports by 3%. Compared to 2019, non-oil exports have surged by 86.4%, while total non-oil trade has grown by 44%, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s commitment to regulatory reforms, streamlined business procedures, and integrated digital systems.
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