JAPANESE CG SPELLS OUT EXPO DREAM
JAPANESE PAVILION WILL BE AMONG THE LARGEST AT EXPO 2020 : CONSUL-GENERAL
Japan will have one of the biggest pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai and highlight best practices in sustainability, Dr Akima Umezawa, Consul-General of Japan in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, has said.
“The keyword at the Japanese pavilion is ‘future’. Our traditional hospitality, using advanced technology and our environment — that will be our core,” said Dr Umezawa during a visit to the Khaleej Times office on Monday.
Revealing what visitors can expect at the pavilion, the Consul-General said they will get the chance to taste traditional delicacies. A separate pavilion in front of the main one will offer sushi.
The pavilion aims to strengthen Japan’s voice in the global community; develop and promote its industry; increase inbound tourism; add to the legacy of the Expo and empower the next generation with greater opportunities to realise their full potential.
UAE-Japan ties
Speaking about the UAE-Japan ties, Dr Umezawa said the two countries have always “enjoyed a very fruitful and pleasant relationship”.
“The UAE is one of the most important countries when it comes to energy supply. Oil is our lifeline and without the UAE’s support, our economy cannot survive,” said the diplomat.
Diplomatic relations between the UAE and Japan were established almost five decades ago. From trade and investment to culture, tourism and education, the two countries share strong bilateral relations. While exports from the UAE to Japan include crude oil and natural gas, imports include automobile and electronic items.
Dr Umezawa said the relationship is “expanding and diversifying in the fields of culture, economy and education”.
Space cooperation
The diplomat highlighted the two countries’ increasing cooperation in the space sector. Two years ago, the first Emirati-made satellite, KhalifaSat, was launched from the Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan.
Last year, when the first Emirati astronaut Hazzaa AlMansoori went to the International Space Station, he carried out a series of experiments as part of a joint project between the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
Visa waiver
The recent decision by Japan to offer visa-free entry to Emiratis is another step into cementing the relationship, Dr Umezawa said. “A visa waiver is one of the most effective measures to boost human interactions and economic relations. Over the last three years, tourists from the UAE to Japan have increased and vice-versa.”
With Japan hosting the 2020 Summer Olympics and the UAE having its Expo in October, the visa waiver will help boost the immigration process.
Around 4,000 Japanese call the UAE home, with 3,000 of them based in Dubai. “Most of them are businessmen and some are teachers,” said the Consul-General.
He said the the high-level visits between the two countries are also proof of the burgeoning relationship.
The UAE is one of the most important countries when it comes to energy supply. Oil is our lifeline and without the UAE’s support, our economy cannot survive.” Dr Akima Umezawa
Consul-General of Japan in Dubai and the Northern Emirates