Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has organized an introductory meeting for the Sectoral Business Groups, following the reformation of five groups that operate under its umbrella.

The meeting sought to bolster communication within the emirate's private sector and identify challenges and opportunities for development in order to boost economic activity. To achieve this, the SCCI is planning to launch effective and tailored programs for each business group to improve their performance.

Held at the Chamber's headquarters, the business gathering was attended by HE Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, HE Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, and Abdulaziz Mohammed Shattaf, Assistant Director-General of the Communication and Business Sector at the Sharjah Chamber.

Also present were Ibrahim Rashid Al Jarwan, Director of the Economic Relations and Marketing Department, SCCI, in addition to the heads of sectoral business groups, as well as more than 50 representatives of various economic sectors in the Emirate of Sharjah.

During the meeting, participants discussed the significant accomplishments made by the sectoral business groups in Sharjah across various sectors including real estate, industry, hotels, shopping centers, used car, food trade and industry, and hotel apartments.

The new formation plans were also introduced, along with highlighting the most notable challenges faced by these sectors and the solutions to overcome them in order to achieve the business sector’s interests in the emirate and enhance its contribution to all activities that support Sharjah’s comprehensive development process.

While warmly welcoming all attendees, Al Owais stressed that Sharjah Chamber is fully committed to supporting the sectoral business groups operating under its umbrella. He said that the Chamber will unveil new developments in the coming days, including the formation of new sectoral groups that will focus on modern and diverse economic sectors in line with the rapidly developing economic scene of the Emirate of Sharjah, which is guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

Al Owais emphasized that the meeting provided an ideal opportunity to energize efforts, monitor and analyze the current situation of economic sectors in Sharjah, and explore opportunities for cooperation and coordination with relevant authorities to ensure the interests of member economic establishments. Additionally, it sought to develop communication mechanisms and collaboration with sectoral groups, as well as launch initiatives that serve the interests of the local economic community.

For his part, Al Awadhi commended the business groups for their cooperation, suggestions, and initiatives that enable the Chamber to serve the private sector effectively and enhance the business environment in Sharjah, leading to positive impacts on the emirate's economy.

He also extended his thanks to government representatives and permanent members of the business groups for their efforts, which helped overcome various challenges faced by businesses and companies operating in the emirate.

During the meeting, Abdul Aziz Shattaf clarified that the sectoral business groups are considered the most effective means of communication between the business sector, the Chamber, and the public sector, adding that they help form an integrated structure that meets the needs and aspirations of the economic sectors.

He noted that the main objective of establishing such groups is to identify the current status of the concerned sectors, improve the performance of economic activity, and launch initiatives that support the private sector and its role in the economic community. Additionally, these groups continue to encourage investment and inform the associate members of the Chamber about available opportunities.

The business groups assume various responsibilities, including setting goals, developing plans for the development of the concerned sector, and communicating with partners affiliated with the sector, both local and international governmental and civil institutions and bodies, through the Chamber's channels. They also study laws, provide views and recommendations on those laws and legislation, and propose draft laws in cooperation with the competent authorities in the Chamber. Additionally, these groups organize events and launch activities that serve the sectors concerned with the business groups.