From 12 to 15 November 2024, Ambassador André Spiteri led a Maltese delegation to Japan to strengthen ties and explore new opportunities as Malta gears up for EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Kansai. The Trade Mission was organised by Trade Malta.

The Trade Mission went to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, where they participated in a variety of networking events and meetings. There were two business seminars in both Tokyo and Osaka that were attended by interested Japanese companies and organisations. This created the opportunity to establish connections and establish potential partnerships for the trade mission in Japan.

Productive one-on-one meetings were held with key organizations such as the Japan AI Safety Institute, MIPRO (Manufactured Imports and Investment Promotion Organization), and the Agency for Cultural Affairs. These discussions focused on deepening mutual understanding and identifying potential areas for partnership.

In the field of education, significant progress was made. The delegation met with Kindai University and Kyoto Sangyo University, culminating in a major milestone: Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) and the University of Malta signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kindai University. This agreement paves the way for long-term academic collaboration between our local academic institutions and Japan.

Cultural heritage was another highlight of the visit. In Kyoto, a representative from Heritage Malta visited the restoration site of a samurai armour gifted to Malta by Japan’s first embassy to Europe in 1862. This project underscores the shared commitment of both nations to preserving cultural heritage and strengthening their cultural ties. Once restored, the armour will be displayed in the Malta pavilion at the Osaka EXPO next year.

This mission reflects Malta’s proactive approach to building strong international partnerships across various sectors with Japan. It reinforces Malta’s dynamic role on the global stage and sets the stage for more collaborative initiatives in the coming months, especially in preparation of the upcoming World EXPO in Osaka next year and beyond.