The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) recently received a delegation from the Etihad Rail with a view to enhancing avenues of cooperation and introducing the business community in Sharjah to the Strategic ‘Etihad Rail’ Project in view of its importance in supporting the national economy.

The meeting also reviewed the possibility of holding an introductory seminar for government and private sector representatives in Sharjah to get them acquainted with the importance of the project and to motivate relevant sectors to take part in the implementation stages as per the project plan.

The Etihad Rail delegation included Mohammed Al-Marzouqi, Director of Partner Relations Department, and Khalid Faisal Al Shehhi, Head of Partner Relations Department, and was received by Ibrahim Rashid Al Jarwan, Director of SCCI’s Economic Relations and Marketing, Jamal Bu Zinjal, Head of Media Department, SCCI, and Saif Al Matroushi, Director, Membership Affairs Department, SCCI.

The visiting delegation provided an overview of Etihad Rail’s vision in terms of providing safe and sustainable rail networks and offering train transport services for passengers and goods in the UAE, in accordance with the highest standards of safety and sustainability through innovation and constant development of technology and its apps.

Commending Etihad Rail’s efforts in delivering world-class transport choices in line with the UAE’s comprehensive renaissance, Ibrahim Rashid Al Jarwan emphasised the importance of the transport sector and its role in supporting the national economy and connecting the UAE cities and ports.

Al Jarwan highlighted the importance of the “Etihad Rail Project” which is one of most important economic and development projects that will raise the performance of the transport sector in the UAE and GCC, expressing the SCCI’s keenness to organise, in coordination with the Etihad Rail, a seminar to introduce the business community to the objectives of the project and the opportunities available to participate in the stages of its implementation.

For his part, Mohammed Al-Marzouqi reviewed the project principles in terms of safety and security, effective linkage and economic growth by connecting the residential, industrial and commercial centers in the country. This would help drive economic growth and sustainable development in the country.

The project also provides efficiency and unlimited growth opportunities through safe and innovative transport services.

The meeting concluded with emphasising the importance of cooperation in carrying out the project in coordination with various federal and local government entities to ensure the utmost benefit from this national project.

Meanwhile the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) recently hosted a training workshop on “Designing an Innovative Business Models”.

Sponsored and organised by the National SME Programme in cooperation with the Small & Medium Enterprises Centre TIJARAH 101 and Dubai Entrepreneurship Academy, the workshop comes as part of the SCCI’s endeavors to support entrepreneurs, by adopting and sponsoring innovative programmes that enhance the entrepreneurial sector and meet the aspirations of young people in terms of managing projects with a regional and global brand.

Facilitated by the Financial Advisor Dr. Abdulla Al Awadhi, the workshop was attended by Mohamed Al-Yousfi, director of the National SME Program, Mona Omran Ali, Director of TIJARAH 101 Center, in the presence of a large number of Emirati entrepreneurs, where they learned about the latest concepts of establishing project management, innovative mechanisms of designing business models, the value-added model and how to obtain the optimal proposed value for a project, revenue generation methods and accounting fundamentals.

Mona Omran Ali said: “The workshop falls within the SCCI’s keenness to coordinate with all relevant agencies to attract sophisticated training programmes leading to enhancing the key role of the private sector and its developmental effectiveness. This is achieved by developing the skills and talents of Emirati entrepreneurs, improving their capabilities and enhancing their active role in promoting the country’s economic progress.”

She added: “The event was a perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn closely about the scientific methods for developing their small and medium enterprises by highlighting the necessary information that motivates them to innovate in accordance with a clear business model with stimulating and sustainable means. This is in addition to consolidating innovation and creativity practices in a way that supports national economic trends and promotes entrepreneurship.”

The Director of TIJARAH 101 Center went on saying: “With the support of the SCCI, the strategic plans of the centre are based on organising several workshops and programs to reinforce entrepreneurs’ experiences and guide them to the best economic activities, in addition to engaging them in specialised exhibitions and promoting various brands.”

“Tijarah 101”, the first of its kind centre locally and regionally to empower entrepreneurs from the young people, by developing and improving the business environment in the small and medium enterprises, raising productivity, and promoting and marketing entrepreneurial projects,” she concluded.

Muhammad Al-Yousifi gave a presentation on the National SME Programme including training, development, business support, participation in local and foreign exhibitions, marketing, financing and providing information.

For his part, Dr. Abdulla Al Awadhi said: “The success of any project lies in choosing the idea and ensuring its suitability for the needs of the market. The project should include added value for customers and the entrepreneur must consider all financial aspects and adopt sound accounting foundations, and innovative mechanisms.”

WAM/Agencies