Japanese multinationals, investment firms eyeing opportunities at Dubai World Central
High-level Japanese business delegation tours DWC’s world-class infrastructure
November 21, 2012
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 purpose-built 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 recognized 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.”
Shinji
Kawasaka, Chairman, Asia-Pacific Economic and Environmental Research
Society, said: “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. 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.”
Yasuo
Nakashima, Chief Executive Officer and International Director of
LaSalle Investment Management, Japan, said: “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. 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.”
Other
members of the delegation were Mikuyi Kawasaka, President, Asia-Pacific
Economic & Environmental Research Society Group, MKII Corporation;
Masahiko Komagata, Chief Representative for MENA & General Manager,
Middle East Branch, Hitachi, Ltd.; Takashi Nohmura, Senior Managing
Director, Taiyo Kogyo Corporation; Kazuhiro Nakada, Manager – Industrial
Solutions 1st Business Div. – Energy & Environmental Solutions
Dept., Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation; Satoshi Ariyama,
Department Manager – Business Management and Marketing Department –
International Division, Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd.; Masanobu Sato,
CEO, Samurai Businessmen Services Co., Ltd; Toshiya Kashimura, General
Manager, Power T&D Solutions, Hitachi, Ltd., Middle East Branch;
Shinji Nakamura, Corporate Officer & General Manager - Global
Business Department, Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.; and Mohammed Ilyas,
Managing Director, Iksam Marketing Management.
