The Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority (ECZA) participated in a high-level Saudi Arabian trade delegation to Japan this week, which included significant government representation and over 300 industry officials from both countries. The visit aimed to enhance economic relations between the two nations, and highlighted investment opportunities within the Kingdom's Special Economic Zones.

As part of the visit, ECZA engaged in several notable meetings and events, including the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 Business Forum in Tokyo, which brought together key political and business leaders to discuss bilateral investment opportunities. Senior Advisor, SEZ Development, Special Economic Zones Affairs, Mr. Turky A. Abdulmajeed, showcased the competitive advantages of Saudi SEZs in a panel discussion on manufacturing opportunities during which he emphasized the fiscal incentives, streamlined regulations, and industrial clusters available to Japanese manufacturers.

ECZA also took part in a workshop hosted by the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia, aimed at the Japan-based investment community. The event showcased key investment prospects available through initiatives in the Kingdom. During the workshop, Director General of SEZ Investment Development, Mr. Tariq Assiri, provided an overview of the Saudi SEZ ecosystem and highlighted the planned sustainability strategies within the zones.

Several strategic meetings were held in cooperation with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), including representatives from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency, as well as various businesses such as Sumitomo Electric. These meetings were complemented by site visits to the Kasumigaseki Capital frozen logistics facility and the MHI hydrogen park.

The visit builds on longstanding trade relations and the Saudi-Japan Investment Forum held in December 2023, which brought together leaders to discuss investment opportunities in the Kingdom.