The First Japan−Arab Economic Forum was held on December 7 and 8, 2009 in Tokyo (Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Chinzan−so), under the joint sponsorship of the Japanese government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) and the League of Arab States. The two−day event provided an occasion for Japan and the Arab countries to strengthen mutual economic relations through cooperation in a wide range of fields such as trade, investment, energy, technology and human resources development, and drew an attendance of around 1,200, mainly from Japanese and Arab economic organizations and private sector companies (approx. 900 Japanese participants, approx. 300 participants from the Arab countries).
JCCME played a significant role in the Forum, with JCCME Chairman Jiro Nemoto delivering a keynote speech in Session 1 of the ministerial meeting held on the first day. In his speech, Nemoto emphasized the importance of “returning to basics' in line with the theme of Session 1, which was Human Relations.” JCCME also hosted a reception that concluded the day's program, and promoted mutual exchanges between participants from Japan and the Arab countries. Additionally, as one of the principal supporters of the Forum, JCCME undertook various preparations toward its implementation, took charge of running it, as well as planned and implemented a business seminar and one−to−one business meetings on the second day.