Sharjah to enhance investment ties with Estonia and Russia in agricultural sector

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has engaged in talks with business delegations from the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Federation to enhance investment cooperation in the agricultural sector.

The discussions took place on the sidelines of a business meeting between Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the SCCI, and Madis Kallas, Minister of Regional Affairs of the Republic of Estonia.

During the meeting held at the SCCI’s headquarters, the chamber discussed with the visiting delegation ways to identify joint work areas and boost communication among the business communities of Sharjah and Estonia.

They also discussed how to make the most of mutual expertise and exchange experience, thereby ensuring the success of agricultural projects and stimulating investment in this vital sector.

The meeting was attended by high-profile officials, including HE Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of the SCCI; Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director General for Communication and Business Sector; Fatima Khalifa Al-Muqrab, Director of the International Relations Department in the Chamber; and Tõnis Tänav, Deputy Secretary General for Fisheries Policy and Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture.

Abdullah Sultan Al Owais emphasised that the Chamber is committed to supporting investment development in the agricultural sector, driven by Sharjah’s strategic approach aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural development and achieving food security.

“Our discussions with the Estonian delegation today reaffirm the Chamber’s keenness to learn about global expertise in agriculture. We seek to broaden the base of companies in this vital sector, boost their competitiveness and capacity for expansion, and enable them to initiate new projects,” Al Owais added.

He went on to say that investing in Sharjah’s agricultural sector would open up promising opportunities, thanks to its exceptional strategic location and appealing investment climate. This advantage is further amplified by Sharjah’s status as a pivotal commercial and industrial hub in the region, making it an attractive proposition for investors looking to capitalize on the agricultural industry’s potential.

Additionally, Al Owais met with a delegation from the Russian Federation, led by Vitaly Stepanov, CEO of the Moscow Export centre.

The meeting touched on ways to develop cooperation and trade exchange between Sharjah and Russia in agriculture and food production, how to achieve food security, and exchange participation in exhibitions dedicated to modern agricultural techniques.

Meanwhile the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has explored with an Indian delegation avenues for bolstering investment and fostering partnerships between the business communities of Sharjah and India.

During the “Sharjah-India Business Forum,” held at the SCCI headquarters, the Chamber urged Indian companies to leverage Sharjah’s attractive investment climate and the opportunities it presents across several key sectors.

The business forum shed light on the comprehensive economic partnership agreement between the UAE and India, which aims to expand cooperation, increase investments, and boost trade exchange volumes between the two nations.

Present at the meeting were Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the SCCI; Sudarsan Swamy, President of the Vizagapatam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and leader of the Indian delegation; Halima Humaid Ali Al Owais, SCCI Board Member; Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, SCCI Director General; Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director General for Communication and Business Sector; and Jamal Saeed Buzangal, Director of the Media Department at the SCCI.

Also present were Lalo Samuel, Representative Committee Group Chairman for the industrial sector, as well as a crowd of businessmen from leading Emirati and Indian companies.

Abdullah Sultan Al Owais stressed that the economic and trade relations between India and the UAE, particularly with Sharjah, are strong and growing, with both sides continuously seeking to expand cooperation and build sustainable partnerships.

These efforts aim to enhance bilateral trade volume and mutual investments, moving towards broader horizons to serve common interests.

Al Owais revealed that the number of Indian companies established in Sharjah has reached an impressive count of 17,500.

In 2022, Sharjah’s exports to India amounted to approximately Dhs2.8 billion, with re-exports standing at about Dhs700 million and imports at around Dhs2.5 billion.

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry has honoured the exceptional contributions of its staff as well as the employees of Expo Centre Sharjah and Sharjah International Commercial Arbitration Centre (Tahkeem).