The Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait, Kenichiro Mukai, stated on Sunday that Kuwaiti businessmen and entrepreneurs have multiple opportunities to enter Japanese markets and expand their investments, thanks to facilitations offered to foreign initiatives.

Mukai made these remarks in a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) ahead of a business dinner hosted at his residence under the title "Kuwait-Japan Business Diwaniya," attended by Kuwaiti businessmen and entrepreneurs.

He explained that Kuwaiti investors and entrepreneurs can benefit from residency visa facilitations offered by certain Japanese prefectures, such as Fukuoka, which allow foreign entrepreneurs to stay for up to two years to establish their businesses. He emphasized Japan's keenness to encourage them to explore the "growing" investment opportunities in his country.

Mukai praised Kuwait’s pavilion at Expo Osaka 2025, highlighting its focus on Kuwait’s role in supporting arts, culture, education, innovation, and entrepreneurship—particularly among youth. He noted that Japanese visitors were impressed by the pavilion’s exhibits and enjoyed traditional Kuwaiti dishes, demonstrating the potential for expanding investments into non-oil sectors.

Strengthening Economic Ties

In his speech during the dinner, Ambassador Mukai described the Kuwait-Japan Business Diwaniya as an exceptional platform for exchanging ambitious visions to enhance trade relations between the two countries. He noted that it brings together elite entrepreneurs who have played a pivotal role in introducing Kuwait to renowned Japanese brands.

He commended the strong bilateral relations, particularly in economic fields, and mentioned plans to revive the Japan-Kuwait Businessmen’s Committee.

Mukai highlighted Japan as an "attractive market" and a promising investment destination, with capital investments reaching approximately $700 billion in 2023. He also acknowledged the efforts of leading Japanese companies such as Mitsubishi, Toshiba, and JERA in implementing and operating major infrastructure projects in Kuwait.

The ambassador invited Kuwaiti business leaders to build strong partnerships with Japan, affirming the Japanese Embassy’s readiness to assist in introducing advanced technologies and high-quality products to Kuwait—"a country we hope will lead in leveraging Japanese innovations in the Middle East."

Kuwaiti Business Leaders Call for Enhanced Cooperation

In his speech at the dinner, Mubarak Al-Sayer, CEO of the Al-Sayer Group, praised the depth of economic relations between the two countries and expressed hope for further expansion.

Al-Sayer called for strengthened cooperation in trade, education, industry, healthcare, energy, and artificial intelligence. He also urged streamlined visa procedures for Kuwaiti citizens upon arrival in Japan to enhance bilateral relations, facilitate trade, and promote cultural exchange.

He pointed out that shared environmental challenges and urban growth present opportunities for technological cooperation, paving the way for a sustainable future for both nations.