From 26th June to 3rd July, the Monaco Economic Board (MEB) spearheaded a high-profile economic mission to Japan, aligning with the Principality’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka. Supported by 32 Monegasque business leaders, the delegation sought to forge deeper economic ties with Japan’s dynamic market.
On 28th June, following Prince Albert II and several dignitaries, the delegation celebrated Monaco National Day in a pavilion brimming with Monegasque charm. Highlights included a charity football match between Barbagiuans legends and the Japan All Stars, a Ballets de Monte‑Carlo performance, and a concert by the Prince’s Carabiniers Orchestra. These events were designed to emphasise Monaco’s cultural prowess on an international stage .
Mireille Martini’s team ensured the Monaco Pavilion became a vibrant hub for meetings and networking. Delegates also engaged with other national pavilions, generating discussions on sustainability, innovation, and bilateral business opportunities.
Economic forum: strengthening Franco‑Japanese business links
A standout moment was the economic forum and networking session organised alongside CCI France Japon du Kansai. Monegasque leaders forged meaningful connections with key Japanese stakeholders, fostering potential collaboration in sectors such as finance, tech, and green energy.
Kyoto interlude and Tokyo innovation
After a cultural stopover in Kyoto on Sunday, the delegation moved on to Tokyo. Accompanied by Sandrine Sauval, Director of MonacoTech, they visited innovation centres including Tokyo Innovation Base and Plug and Play Japan, reflecting MEB’s emphasis on fostering tech partnerships.
In Tokyo, a formal economic event with CCI France Japon offered insights into navigating the Japanese market. The ceremony featured a memorandum of understanding signed by Guillaume Rose, CEO of the MEB, and Nicolas Bonnardel, Director General of CCI France Japon, with Stéphan Bruno, Director of Economic Development, present.
Monaco Soirée: sealing strategic connections
The mission concluded with a distinguished ‘Monaco Soirée’ at Hotel Okura Tokyo, hosted by the Embassy of Monaco, the MEB, and the Directorate of Tourism and Congresses. Around 100 prominent guests attended, including Isabelle Berro‑Amadeï, Interim Minister of State and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation; Jérôme Chouchan, President of CCI France Japon; and Ken Kobayashi, Honorary Consul of Monaco, alongside key Japanese business figures.
Paving the way for future economic partnerships
Through its visits, forums, and cultural diplomacy, the mission enabled Monegasque companies to engage with the Japanese economic ecosystem. MEB regards the initiative as the beginning of a new era of strategic partnerships between Monaco and Japan.
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Main photo source: MEB