This month, Monaco rolled out the red carpet for a high-level delegation from Japan, led by Hisaaki Suzuki, the mayor of the nation’s pioneering circular economy city, Gamagori. The visit marked an exciting opportunity to deepen the bond between the two nations, as discussions focused on strengthening future collaborations and exploring business opportunities ahead of the Monaco Economic Board’s much-anticipated economic mission to Japan this summer and the Principality’s prominent presence at the Osaka World Expo 2025.
On 28th January, Monaco’s Mayor Georges Marsan welcomed a Japanese delegation including Hisaaki Suzuki, the mayor of Gamagori, and representatives from Toyota Motor Corporation, Masanosuke Sufu and Tomonori Harada to the Mairie de Monaco.
The visit provided an opportunity to exchange ideas on governance, business opportunities, sustainable initiatives and global cooperation, with a key topic of discussion being the upcoming Osaka World Expo 2025, which will be held from 13th April to 13th October on the man-made island of Yumeshima. The Expo, themed ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’, aims to foster innovations and collaborations that will help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Monaco will have a strong presence at the event through its dedicated pavilion themed ‘Take Care of Wonder’, which will highlight the Principality’s commitment to environmental protection, sustainable development and cultural exchange. Visitors can expect immersive experiences and interactive displays centered on Monaco’s efforts to promote sustainable mobility and environmental conservation, as well as inspired outdoor spaces and a showcase of Mediterranean traditions, including a wine bar featuring premium selections from the cellars of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
See more: The wonder of nature: Monaco unveils its plans for 2025 World Expo in Osaka
During the visit, the parties, which included Monaco’s Ambassador to Japan Didier Gamerdinger and Monaco’s Secretary General Isabelle Costa, spoke deeply about the achievements of Gamagori, the world’s first ‘circular city’.
The Japanese city is a pioneer in sustainability and circular economy principles, having widely implemented the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—to harmonise economic growth with environmental preservation. The city’s success in advancing these circular economy initiatives, among others, has gained significant international recognition, including here in Monaco.
With Monaco’s officials keen to demonstrate local efforts, the delegation was taken on a tour of key sites linked to sustainability and conservation projects in the Principality, such as the Oceanographic Museum and the headquarters of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
Economic mission in summer 2025
Earlier this month, the Monaco Economic Board hosted a special Business Destination conference at MonacoTech to discuss its upcoming economic mission to Japan, which will take place between 26th June and 3rd July.
The event brought together 70 business leaders from MEB member companies to learn about the mission and the opportunities in Japan, a country known for its complex commercial environment. The focus of the mission, which is being organised in line with Monaco’s wider preparations for the Osaka World Expo, is on tapping into Japan’s economic strength as the world’s fourth-largest economy, as well as discovering more about its unique blend of tradition and innovation.
During the overseas trip, the MEB and participating members will explore opportunities in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo.
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Photo of Hisaaki Suzuki, Mayor of Gamagori, and Georges Marsan, Mayor of Monaco. Source: Mairie de Monaco