Reflecting on the Success of the Japan–LAC Business Forum 2026

The Japan–LAC Business Forum 2026, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the partnership between Japan and the IDB Group, was held on August 24-26, 2026. The Forum successfully brought together more than 1,000 participants and representatives from over 400 companies across 24 countries, strengthening business, trade, and investment ties between Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

The Forum welcomed participants from across the public and private sectors, including IDB Group President Ilan Goldfajn and other senior IDB Group officials; ministers and senior government representatives from Japan and LAC countries; corporate leaders; strategic investors; investment promotion agencies; chambers of commerce; business associations; and financial institutions.

During the two-day event, sessions and country pitches were held on a wide range of topics, including strategic partnerships, trade and investment integration, energy security and critical minerals, sustainable food systems, the silver economy, disaster preparedness and disaster risk management, venture capital, public-private partnerships (PPPs), IDB procurement opportunities, and digital transformation.

In parallel, the Forum facilitated approximately 660 one-on-one business matchmaking meetings, connecting Japanese companies and investors with investment promotion agencies and private sector representatives from 21 IDB Group borrowing member countries. These exchanges fostered new partnerships and generated concrete business and investment opportunities across Latin America and the Caribbean.

On the third day, approximately 100 participants from across the LAC region were divided into three groups and visited Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ CO-Creation Park, JERA’s Hekinan Thermal Power Station, one of Japan’s largest thermal power plants and a pioneer in ammonia co-firing technology, as well as Nakamura Logistics’ refrigerated and frozen storage facilities following a lecture by ASC. Through these visits, participants gained firsthand insights into Japan’s advanced technologies, innovation, and commitment to sustainability, while deepening their understanding of the country’s technological excellence across key industrial sectors.

The following agreements, memoranda of understanding, and cooperation initiatives with the Government of Japan and related institutions were among the key achievements announced during the Forum:

1. Expansion of the Japan Resilience Initiative (JRI) with the Ministry of Finance (MOF): Added US$10 million to the US$30 million Japan Special Fund facility supporting project preparation and implementation in critical minerals, quality infrastructure, and agriculture.

2. New Health and Care Partnership: Agreement among MOF, JICA, and the IDB Group to strengthen cooperation in health systems, long-term care, and digital health.

3. Expansion of the JICA CORE Facility: Extension of the facility through 2031 and expansion of its size from US$4 billion to US$5 billion, with critical minerals and agriculture added as new strategic priority sectors.

4. Expansion of the TADAC Trust Fund: Increase of JICA's co-financing facility with IDB Invest from US$1 billion to US$1.5 billion.

5. Renewal of the JBIC–IDB Group Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Enhanced collaboration to mobilize private capital and promote sustainable investment throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.

6. First NEXI–IDB Group Loan Insurance Transaction: Signed a loan insurance transaction of approximately USD 216 million supporting a development project in Brazil's state of Espírito Santo. This marks the first direct underwriting of risk for an international organization by a Japanese Export Credit Agency since the 2022 amendment to Japan's Trade and Investment Insurance Act.

7. Memorandum of Cooperation with MLIT: Strengthened cooperation with Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) to advance resilient infrastructure in transportation, water and sanitation, housing, and urban development.

Access the Forum's highlight video and additional information here: https://cloud.mail.iadb.org/JAPAN-LAC

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all partners, speakers, exhibitors, and participants whose commitment and collaboration made the Japan–LAC Business Forum 2026 a remarkable success. Together, we have strengthened the bridge between Japan and Latin America and the Caribbean and laid the foundation for the next chapter of cooperation, investment, and shared prosperity for the next 50 years and beyond.