The Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 Business Forum kicked off in Tokyo on Monday, reported the Saudi Press Agency. The event was organized by Saudi Arabia’s General Investment Authority (SAGIA) and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and saw participation of Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources Khalid al-Falih and SAGIA Governor Eng. Ibrahim Al-Omar. The activities brought together more than 300 economists to highlight promising investment opportunities in multiple strategic sectors in Saudi Arabia, including energy, infrastructure, logistics and entertainment, as well as key reforms underway to enable easier market access for foreign companies. Tuwaijri said that the forum is a testament to the success of the strategic direction set by the Saudi-Japanese Vision 2030 two years ago. “The Vision seeks to activate private sector involvement by partnering with relevant public sector entities and establishing joint-ventures across our countries,” he said. “Involving the private sector is a key step towards achieving our shared vision, and driver of sustainable, market-based economic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Japan.” Omar said that Japan is one of the most important economic partners of the Kingdom, pointing out that holding the forum affirms the depth of the partnership between the two countries. SAGIA has been working on creating an attractive and favorable business environment, making it easier for foreign companies to access opportunities in Saudi Arabia, he added. The continued prosperity of Saudi Arabia depends on fostering innovation, attracting foreign investment and enabling private sector growth to create jobs and opportunities for Saudi men and women, he remarked. President of JETRO, Yasushi Akahoshi said that the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 has made great progress since it was first announced. Under the initiative, the number of cooperative projects between the two countries has nearly doubled, from 31 projects, he revealed. Japan is Saudi Arabia’s second largest source of foreign capital and third-largest trading partner, with trade exceeding US$39 billion.