The Indo‑Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IJC) has formally opened a call for Indian businesses to apply for participation in a forthcoming trade and investment forum, slated to launch early next year. Applications are due by August 20, giving participants a deadline to submit detailed proposals on their products, services, and expansion plans. The initiative aims to deepen bilateral ties between India, Japan, and the Gulf, showcasing innovations that can be integrated across the region.
Founded in 2005, the IJC has acted as a bridge for multilateral commerce between the two largest economies. This time, the chamber is focusing on high‑tech sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. By inviting Indian companies to collaborate with Japanese partners, the chamber hopes to unlock new business avenues and facilitate joint ventures that can pool expertise and talent. In addition, the programme will feature mentoring sessions, market analytics, and streamlined visa support for Indian executives travelling to Japan and the Middle East.
Why it matters
The Gulf’s strategic location as a logistics hub positions it as an ideal stepping stone for Indian companies looking to tap Asian markets. With the UAE’s continued emphasis on economic diversification, this partnership could open avenues for Indian firms to secure supply chain contracts across the GCC. For the chamber, it aligns with its mandate to promote cross‑border investment that supports both countries’ growth agendas. Moreover, entrepreneurs participating in the programme will gain access to a trusted network of investors and industrial partners, potentially accelerating product‑to‑market timelines.
What’s next
After the application period closes, the IJC will shortlist candidates based on technological relevance and scalability. Successful applicants will join a pre‑shownroom held in Tokyo in early December, where they will pitch to a panel of Japanese venture capitalists and government officials. From there, the Chamber will leverage its network in Dubai and Bahrain to arrange business matchmaking events, and the UAE Ministry of Economic Affairs is expected to issue a formal invitation to decide which stakeholders receive investment incentives.
At the same time, the Chamber will collaborate with the Indian government’s Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion to align the initiative with the Make in India agenda, ensuring that local SMEs can benefit from global exposure. A follow‑up briefing will be scheduled for late September, where industry leaders will discuss the progress of the framework and any required policy adjustments.
Additional reporting by The Dubai Herald newsroom.
