Sharjah to bolster economic, trade relations with Tunisia

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Tunisia, with a particular focus on bolstering economic and trade relations between the two countries.

The Chamber also seeks to facilitate investment opportunities for the private sectors of both Sharjah and Tunisia, promoting mutual growth and economic development.

These remarks were made during a meeting held at SCCI’s headquarters between Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, and Dr Iman Ahmed Al Salami, the UAE Ambassador to Tunisia.

The meeting was attended by Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of the Sharjah Chamber; Ibrahim Rashid Al Jarwan, Director of Economic Relations and Marketing at SCCI, and Sultan Abdullah Al Ali, Head of Investor Services Section at SCCI.

During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to enhance communication channels between the business community in Sharjah and its counterpart in Tunisia.

They emphasised the importance of organising joint events and business forums that bring together entrepreneurs and businessmen from both nations to explore key investment opportunities and forge partnerships to create joint ventures across promising sectors. Al Owais noted that engaging with the diplomatic community is integral to Sharjah Chamber’s strategy for fostering cross-border economic partnerships and strengthening trade and investment ties with global business communities.

He reiterated the Sharjah Chamber’s commitment to advancing economic and investment relations with Tunisia, with the aim to elevate bilateral trade to new heights that meet the aspirations of the two brotherly countries.

For her part, H.E. Dr. Iman Al Salami affirmed the embassy’s commitment to supporting the Sharjah Chamber in facilitating the organisation of economic forums and events in Tunisia. These efforts aim to introduce the private sector to investment opportunities in Sharjah and strengthen cooperation between investors and entrepreneurs from both nations.

Following the meeting, the Sharjah Chamber held an extensive working session between Dr Iman Al Salami and the heads and members of the sectoral working groups operating under the chamber’s umbrella.

The session aimed to gain insight into Tunisia’s investment framework and mechanism and explore avenues for enhancing economic and investment cooperation between the business communities of both countries.

Ibrahim Rashid Al Jarwan highlighted that the meeting underscores the commitment of both countries to enhancing bilateral relations and fostering collaborative efforts.

He noted that the exchange of ideas and expertise and the identification of new areas for investment and growth will contribute to sustainable development and deepen economic partnerships between the two countries.

Meanwhile Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on Monday has hosted the inaugural meeting of the founding members of the newly established Pakistan Business Council in Sharjah.

Launched earlier this month, the Pakistan Business Council in Sharjah aims to strengthen investment and trade ties between the business community in the emirate and its counterpart in Pakistan. It seeks to boost trade and investment exchanges, fostering sustainable economic development that benefits both countries.

During the meeting, Dr Syed Muhammad Tahir was appointed as Chairman of the Council, with Syed Saleem Akhtar as First Vice Chairman,  Amer Hassan as Second Vice Chairman, and Salman Wasal as Honorary Treasurer.

Council members discussed drafting a comprehensive strategy and action plan to accomplish the council’s objectives. Key initiatives include hosting regular networking events for prominent business leaders and investors from Sharjah and Pakistan to exchange expertise and explore cooperation opportunities across various sectors.

They also emphasised the importance of trade delegation exchanges to directly engage with the investment potential in both nations.

Speaking on the occasion, Fatema Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Director of International Relations Department at SCCI, underscored the Chamber’s significant focus on business councils, given their crucial role in enhancing economic cooperation and fostering partnerships that drive private sector growth.

She noted that the Sharjah Chamber is committed to boosting trade and investment ties between the emirate and the respective countries represented by the business councils operating under the umbrella of the Chamber, with the Pakistan Business Council as the most recent example.

Al Muqarrab reaffirmed the SCCI’s ongoing support to the Pakistan Business Council in Sharjah since its launch earlier this month.