Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has shown solid performance during the first half of this year by signing several agreements and memoranda of understandings with various organisations and trade bodies.

The Chamber's board of directors, headed by H.E. Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman, expressed their commitment to establishing business councils in cooperation with friendly nations.

During the board of directors’ fifth regular meeting at the Chamber’s library, Al Owais emphasized the need to accelerate efforts to promote Sharjah’s standing by boosting the sustainability and growth of the business community and by equipping the private sector with the necessary capabilities.

Sheikh Majid bin Faisal Al Qassimi, First Deputy Chairman, H.E. Walid Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, Second Deputy Chairman, H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General, and Abdulaziz Mohammed Shattaf, Assistant Director-General of the Communication and Business Sector attended the meeting and discussed the Chamber's first-half performance.

At the meeting the attendees reviewed the latest developments in Sharjah's economic sectors and achievements made by the Chamber in the first half of the year, including key initiatives undertaken to drive commercial and industrial development and promote exports globally.

Al Owais stressed that Sharjah emirate has solidified its status as a globally competitive hub across various economic sectors thanks to the wise leadership of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

Al Owais spoke highly of the accomplishments made by the Sharjah Chamber in the first half of this year, lauding the commitment shown by all government departments and institutions in fulfilling the Chamber’s strategic plan, developed to bolster the business sectors by enhancing the efficiency of economic studies that assist affiliate members and investors.

"We are committed to developing an institutional excellence system while focusing on optimal use of the Chamber's resources to cultivate a supportive environment for the emirate's business community," Al Owais said.

Al Owais emphasized maintaining momentum and intensifying efforts by setting proactive strategies, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to expedite progress, and introducing innovative services that fulfil the aspirations of the private sector.

During the meeting, H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadhi presented an overview of the substantial achievements of the Chamber's different departments in the first half of the current year. Notably, significant progress was made in strengthening collaboration with specialized bodies, diplomatic missions, and official delegations, resulting in 36 meetings, multiple working sessions, and the successful organization of seven business forums with Colombia, Thailand, Rwanda, Sao Paulo, Japan, and Lithuania.

Additionally, the Chamber’s Sharjah Exports Development Center has taken part in eight international and local events, including the recent trade mission led by the Chamber to India. The mission covered Mumbai and New Delhi .

Moreover, the Center actively participated in the 11th edition of the Joint UAE - Russia Committee in Moscow in 2023. Locally, the Center made notable appearances at events such as the Sharjah Investment Forum 2023 as well as the IDEX and NAVDEX Abu Dhabi 2023.

Furthermore, the Small and Medium Enterprises Center, Tijara 101, an initiative of the Chamber dedicated to supporting young start up owners  and stimulating their involvement in business and the economy, recorded a 25% increase in membership compared to the last year. This showcases the Chamber's ongoing commitment to fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Simultaneously, the Sharjah Training and Development Center of Sharjah Chamber, has made significant strides, earning accreditation from five governmental and private institutions as a provider of quality training programs. The Center has delivered 1,387 training hours to the Chamber's staff members, provided 32 training programs for private and public sectors, and trained and certified 43 college students. The Center has worked with the Chamber's Human Resources Department to train 65 male and female employees, and organized four workshops and educational and awareness seminars for the benefit of the Chamber's employees and members of both the public and the private sectors.