Saudi-Japanese relations go back to as long as 60 years, firmly rooted in common interests in several areas, including the economy. Japan is one of our most important trade partners of Saudi Arabia. The Japanese economy is the third largest in the world and holds strong potential for being a bigger investment partner. Trade exchange between the two countries has been growing, with the trade balance being in favor of Saudi Arabia. As regards to Saudi 2030 Vision, Riyadh and Tokyo are working towards developing a joint vision for 2030. They are seeking to tap new opportunities in line with the Vision, and aligned with the Japanese economic reform program, its strategy for the fourth industrialization revolution, and penetration into foreign markets. The Japanese Softbank Group, a leading technological investor, announced last October that it would operate a joint fund with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) – the Softbank Vision Fund. Under the new Fund, worth $100 billion, PIF and the Softbank would invest $45 billion and $25 billion respectively, while other investors would put in $35 billion. The Fund endeavors to create investment opportunities worldwide, notably in information technology and the high-tech sector. As a new era in partnership evolves, relations between the two countries are rapidly moving towards and even more promising future.
