emirates7 - At AIM Congress 2025, the session titled "Japan Talks: Innovations Shaping the World" brought together leading Japanese figures to spotlight cutting-edge technology and industrial advancements.
Miho Sato, Deputy Manager at Yokosuka Research Park (YRP), highlighted Japan’s ongoing efforts in developing 6G technology with a focus on smart cities. “We’re laying the groundwork for future urban innovation through 6G and collaborative research and development,” she said.
Rashid Al Teneiji, Director of International Business Development at the UAE Ministry of Economy, welcomed the potential for enhanced UAE-Japan cooperation. “I hope today’s exchange marks the beginning of deeper collaboration between our two countries,” he stated.
Hiroshi Miura, Senior Manager at NTT DATA Group, introduced IOWN technology and its potential to revolutionize global data transmission. “IOWN utilizes light-based data transfer to deliver ultra-high bandwidth and minimal latency, paving the way for breakthroughs in sectors like finance and healthcare,” he explained.
Takaaki Nakamura, Director at NIFCO Inc., spoke about sustainable manufacturing and the widespread presence of NIFCO products in daily life. “In Japan, you’re rarely more than a metre away from a NIFCO product,” he noted.
In a parallel session, the Africa Regional Forum explored the theme "From Zones to Impact: African SEZs Reimagined," focusing on transforming Special Economic Zones (SEZs) into innovation-led and inclusive economic hubs.
Laura Paez from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) observed the significant growth of SEZs across Africa—from just 20 in the 1990s to more than 237 by 2020. However, she pointed out that many still struggle with infrastructure and economic diversification. “SEZ 2.0 is emerging as a model centred on technology, regional integration, and value creation aligned with development goals,” she said.
Jasveer Singh, Cluster Director at Arise IIP, emphasized sustainable industrial growth through public-private collaboration. “Our focus is on addressing industrial gaps and enabling large-scale, value-added production. These zones are more than industrial areas—they’re catalysts for inclusive economic progress,” he said.
Dr. Manuel Francisco Pedro, Chairman of the Luanda-Bengo SEZ in Angola, underscored the importance of robust governance and infrastructure. “For SEZs to support AfCFTA objectives, they must enhance intra-African trade, standard harmonization, and a stable investment environment. Institutional backing and sound governance are essential,” he asserted.
Miho Sato, Deputy Manager at Yokosuka Research Park (YRP), highlighted Japan’s ongoing efforts in developing 6G technology with a focus on smart cities. “We’re laying the groundwork for future urban innovation through 6G and collaborative research and development,” she said.
Rashid Al Teneiji, Director of International Business Development at the UAE Ministry of Economy, welcomed the potential for enhanced UAE-Japan cooperation. “I hope today’s exchange marks the beginning of deeper collaboration between our two countries,” he stated.
Hiroshi Miura, Senior Manager at NTT DATA Group, introduced IOWN technology and its potential to revolutionize global data transmission. “IOWN utilizes light-based data transfer to deliver ultra-high bandwidth and minimal latency, paving the way for breakthroughs in sectors like finance and healthcare,” he explained.
Takaaki Nakamura, Director at NIFCO Inc., spoke about sustainable manufacturing and the widespread presence of NIFCO products in daily life. “In Japan, you’re rarely more than a metre away from a NIFCO product,” he noted.
In a parallel session, the Africa Regional Forum explored the theme "From Zones to Impact: African SEZs Reimagined," focusing on transforming Special Economic Zones (SEZs) into innovation-led and inclusive economic hubs.
Laura Paez from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) observed the significant growth of SEZs across Africa—from just 20 in the 1990s to more than 237 by 2020. However, she pointed out that many still struggle with infrastructure and economic diversification. “SEZ 2.0 is emerging as a model centred on technology, regional integration, and value creation aligned with development goals,” she said.
Jasveer Singh, Cluster Director at Arise IIP, emphasized sustainable industrial growth through public-private collaboration. “Our focus is on addressing industrial gaps and enabling large-scale, value-added production. These zones are more than industrial areas—they’re catalysts for inclusive economic progress,” he said.
Dr. Manuel Francisco Pedro, Chairman of the Luanda-Bengo SEZ in Angola, underscored the importance of robust governance and infrastructure. “For SEZs to support AfCFTA objectives, they must enhance intra-African trade, standard harmonization, and a stable investment environment. Institutional backing and sound governance are essential,” he asserted.