On 17 October 2024, UNIDO ITPO Tokyo, with the cooperation of The Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies (SJAC) , organized a guided tour at the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition held at Big Sight, Tokyo, by inviting diplomats from the embassies of developing and emerging countries based in Tokyo.

The tour was part of our “Capacity Building (Embassy Programme)” and its purpose was to learn about the innovations in manufacture, operation and MRO for aviation, space and other technologies, as well as new areas such as UAM and decarbonization.  36 diplomats, including six ambassadors, from 26 embassies from Africa, Asia, Middle East and Eastern Europe participated in the tour.

After the welcome remarks by SJAC International Division’s General Manager, Mr. Hanakata Minoru, where he stated the importance of international development and cooperation in the area of aerospace technologies, and expressed his gratitude to the diplomatic missions participating in the tour.

The diplomats were then divided into 4 groups and visited the total of 6 company booths of major Japanese and international companies such as: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, IHI Aerospace, Subaru,  Airbus and Boeing.

During the guided tour, the company representatives at the venue gave comprehensive explanations and demonstrations on the latest innovations in aerospace technology, as well as the history of aerospace engineering of each exhibitor booth they visited.

This programme not only provided learning opportunities with the diplomats from developing and emerging countries but also paved the way to exchanges for developing business contracts and forming new networks in the area of aerospace.

Afterwards, the diplomats had an hour of free time at the exhibition to visit booths that were not covered by the guided tour, further creating opportunities for networking and technology transfer possibilities.