Sharjah, Portugal seek to boost trade and investment relations

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) held a high-level meeting with a delegation from the Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIAP) to discuss strengthening trade and investment links between the business communities of Sharjah and Portugal.

The discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade, boosting cross-investment, and exploring cooperation in strategic and high-value sectors aligned with the economic priorities of both nations.

The meeting took place at the Sharjah Chamber headquarters, bringing together Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, and Rui Gomes da Silva, Vice President of CCIAP, along with an accompanying delegation. Also present were Mohamed Rashid Ali Demas, a SCCI board member; Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, the Director-General of SCCI; Ahmed Juma Al Qaizi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry; Maryam Saif Al Shamsi, Assistant Director General of Support Services at SCCI; Abdul Aziz Shattaf, Assistant Director General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI; and Dr Haider Al-Khudairi, Secretary-General of CCIAP.

The discussions highlighted the shift in bilateral trade structures towards non-oil industrial products, marking a significant transformation that underscores both nations’ commitment to diversified and sustainable economic growth.

Both parties explored opportunities for investing in sustainability, the circular economy, sustainable tourism, and smart agriculture, while also strengthening frameworks that foster closer ties between business communities in Sharjah and Portugal.

Abdallah Sultan Al Owais affirmed that collaboration with the Arab-Portuguese Chamber reflects the positive momentum in UAE-Portugal relations, adding that the UAE’s exports to Portugal have shifted towards value-added non-oil products such as steel, plastics, and aluminium, contributing to substantial growth in trade volume.

He emphasised that Sharjah’s investment environment-characterised by advanced infrastructure, strategic geographic positioning, and investor-friendly policies-offers a fertile ground for sustainable partnerships. He also highlighted the importance of promoting long-term collaboration in sectors aligned with the new economy and industries focused on sustainability.

For his part, Rui Gomes da Silva praised Sharjah’s proactive role in fostering bilateral relations, highlighting the emirate’s robust business ecosystem, diverse investment opportunities, and competitive incentives that support sustainable economic growth.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to promote reciprocal trade missions and facilitate direct engagement between investors and business leaders, aiming to build enduring partnerships that support sustainable economic development and the strategic objectives of both nations.

Meanwhile the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) welcomed a high-level economic delegation from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to its headquarters, discussing ways to enhance economic cooperation and opening new and sustainable investment channels for the business communities of both countries.

The discussions placed particular emphasis on enabling Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enter Sharjah’s competitive market and expand their presence across the wider Middle East region.

The meeting was attended by Dr Fatima Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Director of the International Relations Department at SCCI, while the Vietnamese delegation was led by Nguyen Hoang Phuong, Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Economic Development Research and Chairman of IMCE Global, with several officials from both sides present.

During the meeting, Dr Fatima Al Muqarrab delivered a comprehensive presentation on Sharjah’s attractive and stimulating investment environment, highlighting the integrated suite of services provided by the Chamber and its affiliate entities, including the Sharjah Exports Development Center (SEDC).

She underscored SCCI’s foundational role in supporting economic activities, nurturing business relations, and offering all necessary facilities and support to foreign companies seeking to launch operations from Sharjah, leveraging its strategic location, advanced free zone infrastructure, and investor-friendly ecosystem.

Last week the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) held discussions with a high-level diplomatic delegation from the Republic of Belarus to explore ways to strengthen cooperation between the two business communities.

The meeting, convened at SCCI’s headquarters, focused on deepening strategic ties by unlocking new opportunities for bilateral growth and partnership across various trade, investment, and tourism sectors to serve the mutual interests of both sides.