Abu Dhabi, March 23rd, 2010 (WAM) — Tatsuo Watanabe, Ambassador of Japan to UAE, referred to the distinguished relations between UAE and Japan in various fields pointing out to the keenness of the two countries to boost and develop them.

He added that the direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Japan will freshen, deepen and diversify the current excellent relationship between the two countries. They will surely enhance the two-way flow of businessmen and tourists from both countries and make travel easier and more convenient.

”The direct flights will significantly boost trade and economic relations and contribute in broadening mutual understanding in various fields. The UAE has become an attractive destination for tourism and the direct flights by Etihad Airways as well as those of Emirates Airline will have a strong impact on the overall bilateral relations between Japan and the UAE,” He said in an interview to the Emirates news agency “WAM” on the occasion of Etihad Airways’ announcement to launch its first direct flight from Abu Dhabi to Tokyo and Abu Dhabi to Nagoya on 27 March.

He highlighted that around 310 Japanese companies are operating in the UAE, including joint ventures. Out of those, around 40 companies are based in Abu Dhabi and 270 companies are based in other emirates, mainly in Dubai. As to the number of Joint venture companies, 5 are in Abu Dhabi and 28 are in Dubai.