Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, is heading a UAE official delegation which is scheduled to visit Japan on 29th and 30th September to discuss ways to enhance trade and develop trade and investment relations.

The UAE's delegation comprises more than 45 dignitaries from representatives of government agencies and the private sector. The two-day visit includes meetings with senior officials.

The visit also includes round table with a group of businessmen and a meeting for UAE-Japan Business Forum along with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Japan External Trade Organisation, JETRO, in the context of the two sides' keenness to promote the exchange of experiences and consolidate the ties of joint cooperation.

Speaking on the occasion, the Economy Minister said that Japan occupies a privileged position as a business and strategic partner of the UAE, as it occupies the 6th place as the largest external trade partner of the country.

He added that relations between the two countries are distinguished as the UAE is the second largest exporter of crude oil to Japan by up to 24% of the volume of its imported crude.

He pointed out that the trade exchange between the UAE and Japan recorded about US$14 billion last year.

Al Mansouri stressed the importance of mutual visits between officials, businessmen and investors to promote trade, economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.