Interview with Carla Monrabal, President of the Dock Sud Port Management Consortium, Buenos Aires, Argentina
"We cannot just wait for some investor to notice us on the map or come looking for a project. Argentina is a land full of important opportunities, with many economic sectors — not only bulk cargo but also mining, renewable energy, solar and everything related to the oil industry. "
12 May, 2025
Interview with Mr. Adrian Hamilton-Manns, CEO of SalamAir, Sultanate of Oman
“By 2028, we aim to grow passenger numbers from 3.2 million to 8 million—nearly tripling our current capacity, which is essential to achieving Oman’s Vision 2040.”
05 May, 2025
Interview with Mr. Nasser Al Sheibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
"Al Mouj Muscat is not just a development, it’s a benchmark for excellence in Oman - integrating luxury, sustainability, and cultural diversity to create a world-class waterfront community that attracts people, business, and culture."
05 May, 2025
Interview with Mr. Hamood Al Alawi, Acting CEO of Oman Airports, Sultanate of Oman
“In 2024, six new airlines started flying to Oman, with more expected by 2025. Additionally, we’ve introduced direct flights between Zurich, Muscat, and Salalah, increasing Salalah’s European connectivity.”
30 April, 2025
Interview with Sheikh Waleed K. Al-Hashar, CEO of Bank Muscat, Oman
"Bank Muscat remains dedicated to supporting Oman’s Vision 2040 through ongoing strategic initiatives that promote economic diversification, innovation, and human capital development."
30 April, 2025
Interview with Eng. Abdulaziz Al Shidhani, Managing Director Hydrom, Oman
"We are actively sounding the market, conducting one-on-one meetings, webinars, and conference participation to gauge investor interest and explore how Oman can differentiate itself to attract further investment."
30 April, 2025
Interview with Mr. Talal Said Al Mamari, CEO of Omantel
"We focus on key priorities to maintain our leadership in the technology space, expand Oman’s digital landscape, and support economic diversification while contributing to national development and meeting the broader goals of Vision 2040."
29 April, 2025
Interview with Mr. Hussain Al Lawati, CEO, Development Bank
"At Development Bank, we are eager to support genuine investments, especially those aligned with our 2050 Net Zero target. Green hydrogen and renewable energy-related projects are our top priorities."
29 April, 2025
Interview with Dr. Manuel Pedro, Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Luanda-Bengo SEZ, Angola
"Africa has enormous potential and collaboration is key to strengthening our region. We must open our borders and foster stronger ties within the subregion. There's no need to look to Europe or the United States for products or services when neighboring countries can offer the same quality."
29 April, 2025
Interview with H.H. Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, Founder & CEO of NASCOM and Etlaq Spaceport, Sultanate of Oman
“Oman’s unique geographical location, at 18° latitude, ranks it among the top three globally for optimal orbital inclinations, ensuring our spaceport is strategically positioned for success.”
29 April, 2025
Interview with Prof. Khamis Al Yahyaee, Vice-Chancellor of Muscat University, Sultanate of Oman
“We aim to turn academic discoveries into market-ready solutions, fostering entrepreneurship and supporting the growth of SMEs—key drivers of Oman’s economic diversification.”
29 April, 2025
Interview with Mr. Said Al Mandhari, CEO of ITHCA Group, Sultanate of Oman
“We’ve launched Oman’s first semiconductor design company, AI and IoT ventures with local IP, and even drone manufacturing lines—this is what scaling innovation looks like.”
29 April, 2025
Interview with Nasser Al-Kindi, CEO, Invest OMAN, Sultanate of Oman
“Oman offers numerous incentives, including 100% foreign ownership, a 30-year exemption from corporate tax, and no personal income tax. As Oman enters a new era of growth, we are excited about the prospects for Japanese businesses to engage with our economy.”
29 April, 2025
Interview with Mr. Walter Simpson, Managing Director, CC Energy Development, Sultanate of Oman
“150 million barrels from blocks that were undeveloped in 2007 is a remarkable achievement, showcasing CCED's ability to unlock value in underexplored regions, driving long-term growth.”
29 April, 2025
Interview with Mr. Karumathil Gopakumar, CEO of Bank Dhofar, Sultanate of Oman
“With OMR 4.69 billion in total assets, Bank Dhofar is well-positioned to drive innovation and support Oman’s ambitious economic transformation under Vision 2040.”
29 April, 2025
Interview with Honorable Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration & International Trade of Mauritius
"Mauritius values its strong diplomatic ties with Japan and was among the first to confirm participation in Expo Osaka (April–October). We will have a pavilion under the theme 'Empowering Lives.' "
22 April, 2025
Interview with H.E. Salim M. Almahruqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman
“Oman is on track to transform its tourism sector, aiming to contribute 10% to GDP and create millions of jobs for both Omanis and expatriates by 2040.”
21 April, 2025
Interview with H.E. Eng. Said bin Hamood bin Said Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Oman
“Oman’s strategic location, modernized ports, and investments in digital technologies make it a key global logistics hub, offering significant opportunities for investors and businesses.”
03 April, 2025
Interview with Eng. Mohammed Al-Naabi, CEO of Oman Energy Association (OPAL), Sultanate of Oman
“Oman’s energy sector is a dynamic growth engine, driven by over 22 major industry forums, workshops, and collaborations—each actively shaping a stronger, more sustainable energy future.”
03 April, 2025
Interview with H.E. Dr. Abdullah Al-Harrasi, Minister of Information, Oman
“Through strategic media, innovation, and sustainability, Oman is shaping a dynamic future—one that connects our people, culture, and economy with the world.”
03 April, 2025
Interview with H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Rawas, Chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), Sultanate of Oman
“Oman offers one of the region’s most competitive business environments, with a strategic location, modern infrastructure, and a supportive legislative framework—making it an ideal gateway for investors looking to expand into the Gulf, Middle East, and North Africa.”
03 April, 2025
Interview with Salim bin Nasser bin Said Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, Oman
“With vast renewable energy potential, a thriving hydrogen sector, and rich mineral resources, Oman is a key destination for energy and mining investments. Our strategic partnerships with Japan are driving innovation and sustainability, creating new opportunities for long-term collaboration.”
03 April, 2025
Interview with Said bin Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Saqri, Minister of Economy, Sultanate of Oman
"By 2040, Oman aims for its digital economy to contribute 10% of GDP. Major investments in infrastructure, alongside the development of five new cities, will enhance Oman’s position in global trade and create valuable opportunities for international investors.”
03 April, 2025
Interview with H.E. Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion, Sultanate of Oman
“Omani exports reached $62.6 billion by the end of 2024, driven by sectors like oil, gas, seafood, and green products. With plans to lead the global green hydrogen market—producing 1 million tonnes annually by 2030—Oman is firmly committed to sustainable growth and economic diversification."
03 April, 2025
Interview with H.E. Jota Yamamoto, Ambassador of Japan to Oman
"With a 19% increase in Japan’s exports to Oman and a 10.2% rise in Oman's exports to Japan in 2024, coupled with a shared focus on green energy and technology, the partnership between Japan and Oman is poised for a new era of innovation and sustainable growth."
03 April, 2025
Interview with Hon. Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya
"We are particularly pleased with Japan because, with the President's visit to Japan, Japan was able to provide a facility of $23.2 million to the Kenya Medical Research Institute for further research in the health sector."
26 August, 2024
Interview with Kenneth Farrugia, CEO, Bank of Valletta, Malta
"The economy is in fact driven by various sectors such as tourism, financial services, aviation, maritime, high-end manufacturing, and gaming. This diversification has shielded us from the challenges that world economies have faced over the past few years."
27 January, 2023
Interview with George Vella, Chairman of FinanceMalta
“Time and time again, it has been plainly clear for us that this diversification has come in extremely handy.”
20 December, 2022
Interview with Dr Attard Trevisan, Founder & Managing Director, Umana Medical Technologies
“Everyone contributes the same. It’s not like one contributes more from one area. Everyone puts their contribution in the pot in the middle and the ideas you get are incredible.”
20 December, 2022
Interview with Miriam Dalli, Minister for Environment, Energy and Enterprise of Malta
"Now the bathymetry around Malta is a bit challenging because we have deep seas surrounding us but we’re seeing developments when it comes to offshore renewable technology which is floating wind and solar energy."
07 December, 2022
Interview with Michael Collis, CEO and Managing Director, BNF Bank
“In terms of overseas investment in Malta, the advantage of the country is its diverse base of sectors that attracts a healthy amount of foreign investment.”
07 December, 2022
Interview with Clyde Caruana, Minister for Finance and Employment of Malta
“With respect to skills also, we’re doing a first in Europe: we’re doing a census about skills because we really want to map the skills that we have.”
04 December, 2022
Interview with Lipumbu W. Shiimi, Minister of Finance of Namibia
“If you set up shop here in Namibia, you are not only going to supply the local mining sector with its inputs, like pipes and other equipment, but also the whole region and the whole continent.”
02 December, 2022
Interview with Dr. Vera Daves, Minister of Finance of Angola
“The growth that I would say will continue happening is, without a doubt, agriculture, fishery, industry. These are sectors that should keep growing, but I would say agriculture tops all of them.”
02 December, 2022
Interview with H.E. Abdullah bin Salim Al-Salmi, Executive President of Capital Market Authority, Oman
"Banks, insurance companies and the government are cooperating with each other; there is a great dialogue between all these entities. I believe that it is crucial for the ease of doing business in the country; therefore I would like to invite foreign investors to come to Oman and do business in this
24 October, 2022
Interview with Ambassador Sugiyama Akira, Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is taking various initiatives in reducing trade impediments by signing, for instance, FTAs with India and Pakistan and can be a gateway to South Asia. Thus, Sri Lanka is a very important regional partner for Japan.
24 October, 2022
Interview with Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica
"We are on a big program now to re-train and to position workers of the industry so that they can become conversant with technology. Technology is going to play a huge role in the new tourism post-COVID, in terms of sanitization and “touch-less” technology that requires automated payment systems, au
24 October, 2022
Interview with Hon. Audley Shaw, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce of Jamaica
"Jamaica, like so many countries, was thrown into unprecedented times with COVID-19. The pandemic has, however, helped us to identify areas that require remediation and spurred us to swifter action, regarding the areas that were being worked on before."
20 October, 2022
