Latest news with #JapanCooperationCenterfortheMiddleEast
Iraqi News
02-06-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Japanese Ambassador: We Aim to Support Iraq's Investment Environment and Attract Global Companies
Japanese Ambassador to Iraq, Akira Endo, announced on Monday that Japan has provided over $21 billion in support for economic cooperation projects in Iraq since 2003. He affirmed his country's ongoing commitment to enhancing Iraq's investment climate and attracting global companies. Speaking at the signing ceremony of an agreement between the Iraq Development Fund and the Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East (JCCME), attended by an Iraqi News Agency (INA) reporter, the ambassador stated 'Since 2003, the Japanese government has implemented economic cooperation projects in Iraq amounting to over 21 billion US dollars. Japan has ranked as the top donor to Iraq in recent years, primarily through yen loans that have supported infrastructure development in sectors such as electricity, water, sanitation, and oil.' He emphasized that 'Japan has continuously provided support alongside the Iraqi people to assist in rebuilding the country.' He added that 'to further develop economic relations between Japan and Iraq, we look forward to Iraq's continued efforts to improve its investment climate, including the enforcement of relevant laws and regulations, and enhancing transparency in business practices, particularly in attracting foreign companies, including Japanese firms.' He noted that 'for more than a decade, JCCME has worked to strengthen trade and investment between Japan and Iraq by helping Japanese companies better understand the Iraqi market, organizing annual Iraq business seminars, sending delegations to key sectors in Iraq, and arranging training programs in Japan for Iraqi officials.' The ambassador continued: 'Meanwhile, the six priority sectors identified by the Iraq Development Fund, education, agriculture, housing, digital transformation, manufacturing and food security, and environment , are the same sectors the Iraqi government, under Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani, has prioritized. These are also areas where Japanese expertise can have a sustainable and meaningful impact on Iraq's future.' He concluded by saying 'This agreement marks a pivotal step at a critical time. It will help strengthen ties between the private sectors of Japan and Iraq by facilitating the exchange of information and supporting, promoting, and coordinating business activities.'
Arab News
10-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Japanese gaming expert sees potential in Saudi industry
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is an important market for Japanese video game producers, who could tailor their games to appeal to the region, according to one expert. Koji Mikami, a professor at the Tokyo University of Technology who specializes in gaming technology, spoke about the Saudi industry's potential during an event in Riyadh on Monday. 'In my opinion, Saudi Arabian gamers love high-quality games and are willing to invest in premium gaming experiences,' he said. Mikami emphasized that Saudi gamers' spending power makes the region a valuable market for Japanese game studios. 'I believe Saudi Arabia has bigger potential than other regions, and I hope Japanese game studios will develop games tailored for the Saudi market,' he added. The comments were made at a seminar hosted on Monday by the Federation of Saudi Chambers in collaboration with the Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East. The event, part of the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 initiative, explored market trends, gaming technologies, and potential partnerships between the two nations. With Saudi Arabia rapidly becoming a global hub for gaming and esports, the seminar underscored the potential for Japanese developers to invest in the Kingdom's booming industry. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is famously a keen gamer, and according to PwC, 67 percent of the population — or 23.5 million people — share his hobby. The Kingdom is also investing $38 billion into the gaming industry through the Public Investment Fund. Discussions at the event highlighted Saudi Arabia's gaming market growth, with increasing investments in game development, esports, and localization. The event also touched on opportunities for collaboration between Saudi and Japanese gaming companies in areas such as co-developing new IPs, technology exchange, and industry partnerships. The event concluded with a panel discussion on the future of gaming, emphasizing the importance of knowledge-sharing, innovation, and cross-border partnerships to advance the industry. Speakers reinforced Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing a sustainable and tech-driven gaming ecosystem, aligned with Vision 2030 objectives.
