20-05-2025
Japan invites Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities
Envoy highlights potential for business growth at Japan-Kuwait Business Diwaniya
KUWAIT: Kuwaiti entrepreneurs and investors are encouraged to explore business opportunities in Japan, said Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro on Sunday, ahead of the 'Japan-Kuwait Business Diwaniya.' Speaking to KUNA, Ambassador Mukai expressed Japan's openness to Kuwaiti business ventures, particularly through supportive visa schemes for foreign entrepreneurs, such as those available in the city of Fukuoka. 'This is a good opportunity for Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to start businesses in Japan,' he stated.
The ambassador noted that Kuwaiti cuisine received positive feedback from Japanese visitors during the ongoing Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai. 'This could create an opening for Kuwaiti entrepreneurs to consider launching ventures in Japan—not only in cuisine but in broader cultural sectors as well,' he added. Touching on broader economic ties, Ambassador Mukai affirmed the strength of Kuwaiti-Japanese relations. 'Our business and trade ties continue to grow, particularly as Kuwait plays a critical role in Japan's energy security through its supply of crude oil,' he remarked.
Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Mukai Kenichiro
Al-Sayer Group CEO Mubarak Al-Sayer
During his remarks at the Diwaniya, the ambassador encouraged Kuwaiti companies to consider investments in Japanese sectors, especially in advanced technology. He highlighted such cooperation as essential in supporting Kuwait's efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the oil sector by 2050. Ambassador Mukai also noted that the Diwaniya serves as a platform to revitalize the 'Japan-Kuwait Business Committee,' praising the role of major Japanese firms—including Mitsubishi, Toshiba, JERA, and others—for their contributions to vital infrastructure projects in Kuwait such as Al-Subiya, Al-Zour, and Doha power plants. He further revealed ongoing discussions between the two countries aimed at forging a bilateral agreement for unique culinary collaborations.
For his part, Mubarak Al-Sayer, CEO of Al-Sayer Group, emphasized the company's longstanding role as a commercial bridge between Japan and Kuwait through its extensive importation of Japanese goods and brands. He called for greater support from the Japanese government to enhance cooperation across trade, education, industry, and healthcare. Al-Sayer also highlighted the potential benefits of Japanese expertise in helping Kuwait address environmental and urban development challenges through technological collaboration, paving the way for a sustainable future. He concluded by urging the Japanese government to consider granting visas on arrival for Kuwaiti citizens, a step he said would significantly boost bilateral ties. — KUNA
