The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has discussed ways to advance bilateral economic relations between the Emirate of Sharjah and the Republic of Costa Rica.

The Chamber also held fruitful discussion to strengthen commercial and industrial cooperation and investment among the private sector organisations, institutions, and events within the framework of the friendly relationship that combines both nations.

This was discussed during the meeting held at SCCI’s headquarter, between Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, SCCI Chairman; Francisco J Chacon Hernandez, Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica to the UAE, and Karina Molina, Trade Commissioner for the Middle East at Costa Rica Embassy.

Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al-Awadi, SCCI Director General; Abdulaziz Mohammed Shattaf, Assistant Director General for Communication and Business Sector; and Fatima Khalifa Al-Muqrab, SCCI Director for International Relations, we’re also present on the occasion.

In order to encourage Costa Rican business community to increase its investments in Sharjah, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry reviewed the incentives, privileges, and various forms of support and assistance offered by the Emirate to foreign companies operating in the sectors and fields consistent with Sharjah’s economic vision and future directions towards achieving sustainable development.

Abdullah Sultan Al Owais welcomed the delegation and praised the friendly ties between the two nations, as well as their strong partnership which spans a variety of economic and trade spheres. This partnership has created a strong framework for expanding trade and investment opportunities and horizons between the business communities of the UAE and Costa Rica. This is in line with a goal shared by the leaders of the two nations that were recently represented by conducting negotiations and discussions to eventually sign a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, which will usher in a new era of trade and investment cooperation in a variety of fields and support the two nations’ sustainable economic growth.

For his part, Francisco J Chacon Hernández expressed his sincere gratitude to the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry for its ongoing commitment to enhancing bilateral ties and promoting investment in crucial industries. He also highlighted the need to continue efforts to enhance cooperation in many areas of shared interest, including the agricultural and food sectors, etc.

Chacon urged the SCCI to take part in the business buyer exhibition, which will be held in Costa Rica from Sept.27 to 28, 2023, and the education exhibition, which will be held from Sept.25 to 26, 2023. These events will cover topics such as specialised education issues, sustainability, agriculture, and biodiversity.

In a way that served their shared interests, Chacon also extended an invitation to the Emirati business community to travel to Costa Rica and learn about the investment prospects it offers.

Meanwhile the Sharjah Training and Development centre (STDC), an integral part of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), has fulfilled the objectives of its operational plan during the first half of this year as it has successfully implemented 47 programmes and training workshops for members in SCCI and Sharjah’s public and private sectors.

It is in line with the STDC’s goals to develop and enhance the SCCI’s human resources and meet the services of institutions and companies operating in the Emirate.

The report, issued by Sharjah Training and Development centre (STDC) during the period from January to the end of last June, unveiled the STDC’s successful implementation of 1,387 training hours for SCCI employees and 11 internal training programmes, as part of the Chamber’s strategy aimed at preparing a group of professional and competent leaders and staff.

They are trained to be capable of promoting the sustainable development process in the Emirate of Sharjah through upgrading the services provided to the business community in the Emirate.

Furthermore, STDC has implemented 32 training programmes for the public and private sectors, in addition to implementing 4 workshops and seminars. Educational and awareness for the employees of SCCI and the public and private sectors.

Mariam Saif Al Shamsi, Assistant Director General of the Sharjah Chamber for the Support Services Sector, has confirmed that the Sharjah Training and Development centre’s achievements during the first half of this year demonstrates the super quality and efficiency of the programs and training courses offered by the centre. It also reflects the interest of SCCI to contribute to all initiatives enhancing the skills of students and working cadres, whether in the private or public sector.