Senior officials from Japanese multinationals and major investment management firms recently conducted an exploratory visit at Dubai World Central (DWC), the world’s first purpose-built aerotropolis.

The delegation toured DWC’s key facilities, including Al Maktoum International Airport and Logistics District, and also attended a high-level meeting that featured exclusive presentations of DWC and exploratory talks for various investment opportunities in the aerotropolis.

Shinji Kawasaka, chairman of the Asia-Pacific Economic and Environmental Research Society, and Yasuo Nakashima, chief executive officer and international director of LaSalle Investment Management, Japan, led the visiting delegation.

Following the site tours and meetings, the delegation recognised the strategic importance of DWC as a gateway for Japanese companies to expand their business interests in the Menasa region.

Rashed Bu Qara’a, chief operating officer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said: “The UAE and Japan share a long history of excellent bilateral business relations, and we are keen on taking that relationship to the next level.”

“This visit of senior Japanese officials complements our continuing efforts to create new business opportunities for Japanese companies from different sectors. Moreover, Dubai World Central will play an important role in further expanding economic activities between the two countries.

“The multi-modal infrastructure and world-class aviation and logistics facilities at DWC, in particular, serve as vital components for the expansion plans of Japanese firms in the UAE and across the Menasa region.

“The aerotropolis concept of Dubai World Central makes it an ideal destination for investors and multinationals, enhancing its role as an economic growth catalyst for Dubai and the UAE,” he added.

“Building on the long-standing business relations between Japan and the UAE, we have seen many Japanese companies expanding their operations in the UAE, taking advantage of its strategic location as a gateway to the MENASA region,” Kawasaka said.

“Dubai World Central is a key initiative that will open more avenues for economic cooperation between the two countries as Japanese multinationals are eagerly looking forward to capitalizing on its comprehensive aviation and logistics facilities.”

Nakashima added: “There is great interest among Japanese companies and investors to see all the developments going on at Dubai World Central. Our visit was a welcome opportunity to better understand the strategic importance and value of this project.”

“We were impressed not only by the world-class infrastructure, but also by the implementing strategy and the bold, ambitious and achievable idea behind it. The energy and engagement from the people at DWC were certainly inspiring,” he added.

“We were involved in wide-ranging discussions, and we basically view this opportunity as a blank sheet of paper wherein the possibilities are endless with the expertise of the people at DWC and the world-class facilities available here,” Nakashima concluded. – TradeArabia News Service