Latest news with #AbdallahAlOwais


Zawya
08-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sharjah highlights 30% growth in Indian investments
MUMBAI: Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), affirmed that Sharjah holds a strategic position for Indian companies as a preferred investment destination, thanks to its fully integrated competitive advantages. He noted that Indian investors form a key component of Sharjah's business landscape, with nearly 2,000 new Indian companies joining the Chamber in 2024. This growth brought the total number of Indian businesses operating in the emirate to around 20,000, reflecting a 30 percent increase compared to 2023. Furthermore, Sharjah's export and re-export volume to India totaled approximately AED576 million, as documented through certificates of origin issued by the Chamber. These remarks were made during the Sharjah–India Business Forum, which was organised by the Sharjah Chamber in Mumbai, the first stop of its trade mission to the Republic of India, led by the Sharjah Exports Development Centre (SEDC). The delegation comprises 15 companies from Sharjah, representing a range of economic sectors. This mission reflects SCCI's commitment to supporting the expansion of the UAE companies and the private sector representatives into the Indian market, while also showcasing Sharjah's diverse and high-potential investment opportunities to Indian counterparts. The forum was attended by Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI; Waleed AbdelRahman BuKhatir, Second Vice Chairman of SCCI; and Jamal Mohamed Sultan Binhuwaidin, SCCI Board Member. Also present were Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI; Ali Abdullah Al Jari, Director of the Sharjah Export Development Centre; Jamal Saeed Bouzanjal, Director of Corporate Communication at SCCI; and Abdulrahman Saeed Al Suwaidi, Director of Supply Chain and Government Affairs at Bee'ah Group, along with SCCI staff, business leaders, CEOs, and executives from industrial, manufacturing, and export companies operating in Sharjah. During the forum, the Sharjah Chamber's delegation explored ways to strengthen economic and trade cooperation between Sharjah and India, with a focus on partnership prospects in priority sectors. The program featured a range of business meetings and B2B engagements between companies from both sides, aimed at exploring cooperation opportunities, forging agreements, and forming strategic investment partnerships to drive bilateral trade growth. In his keynote speech, Abdallah Sultan Al Owais expressed his gratitude to the Indian side for their warm welcome and generous hospitality. He emphasised the deep-rooted relations between the UAE and India, noting that that both economies are among the fastest growing in the world, which signals strong prospects for expanding economic opportunities in the coming period. He highlighted the remarkable growth in the two countries' economic partnership, with the UAE ranking as India's third-largest global trading partner in 2024. The volume of non-oil trade between the UAE and India exceeded AED240 billion in 2024, marking a 20.5% increase from AED199.3 billion in 2023. This sustained growth reflects the robust momentum and strategic depth of the bilateral trade ties between the two nations. 'Mumbai boasts a strong economic foundation rooted in financial services, information technology, trade, and maritime shipping. It stands out as a strategic gateway for UAE businesses to explore and capitalise on high-potential investment opportunities across these vital sectors. This forum represents a key milestone in advancing bilateral business collaboration and enhancing joint efforts to grow trade and investment volumes,' Al Owais added. He noted that this collaboration will further strengthen the economic ties between the UAE and India, marking a significant stride toward fulfilling the objectives of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which aims to increase mutual investment and trade flows and raise non-oil bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. Ali Abdullah Al Jari delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the key investment advantages offered by Sharjah. He outlined the emirate's diverse economic landscape, its advanced infrastructure, vital industrial and commercial zones, and world-class logistical facilities. He also underscored the Emirate's investor-friendly legal framework, which facilitates business growth and encourages foreign direct investment. The presentation highlighted the Sharjah Chamber's initiatives to support investor engagement through its structured network of business councils. As part of its ongoing visit to India, which will continue until July 11, the delegation will head to Ahmedabad for the second leg of its tour. The agenda includes a dedicated business forum involving meetings with key representatives from Indian chambers of commerce and industry.


Khaleej Times
07-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Sharjah taps Indian market growth with 2,000 new company registrations in 2024
Sharjah cemented its position as a top investment hub for Indian businesses, with nearly 2,000 new Indian companies joining the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in 2024 alone. This brings the total number of Indian firms registered with the Chamber to around 20,000 — a significant 30 per cent increase compared to 2023. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the SCCI, made the announcement at the Sharjah–India Business Forum in Mumbai, marking the first leg of the Chamber's trade mission to India. Organised by the SCCI and led by the Sharjah Exports Development Centre (SEDC), the forum brought together 15 Sharjah-based companies representing various economic sectors. The aim was to boost cross-border collaboration and highlight the emirate's economic potential to Indian investors. In his remarks, Al Owais described Sharjah as a strategic investment destination offering 'fully integrated competitive advantages". He emphasised that Indian companies play a vital role in the emirate's economic ecosystem. Sharjah's export and re-export volume to India totalled approximately Dh576 million, as documented through certificates of origin issued by the Chamber. Investor-friendly legal framework The event highlighted Sharjah's push to attract more Indian investors by showcasing the emirate's investor-friendly legal framework, developed infrastructure, diverse industrial zones, and high-potential sectors. During his keynote address, Al Owais expressed gratitude to the Indian business community, highlighting the strong and longstanding economic ties between the UAE and India. In 2024, the UAE ranked as India's third-largest trading partner, with non-oil trade between the two nations exceeding Dh240 billion — a 20.5 per cent increase from Dh199.3 billion in 2023. 'Mumbai boasts a strong economic foundation rooted in financial services, information technology, trade, and maritime shipping. It stands out as a strategic gateway for UAE businesses to explore and capitalise on high-potential investment opportunities across these vital sectors," said Al Owais. "This forum represents a key milestone in advancing bilateral business collaboration and enhancing joint efforts to grow trade and investment volumes,' he added. Fostering partnerships The forum featured a series of business-to-business (B2B) meetings and networking opportunities aimed at fostering partnerships across key sectors. The delegation also presented Sharjah's economic offerings, with Ali Abdullah Al Jari, Director of the SEDC, giving an overview of the emirate's advanced infrastructure and investor incentives. The trade mission will continue in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, until July 11. There, the delegation will host another business forum and hold meetings with Indian chambers of commerce to build on the momentum established in Mumbai. The mission supports the broader goals of the UAE–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa), which aims to raise non-oil bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.


Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sharjah Chamber's trade mission to India highlights 30% growth in Indian investments,
Mumbai: H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), affirmed that Sharjah holds a strategic position for Indian companies as a preferred investment destination, thanks to its fully integrated competitive advantages. He noted that Indian investors form a key component of Sharjah's business landscape, with nearly 2,000 new Indian companies joining the Chamber in 2024. This growth brought the total number of Indian businesses operating in the emirate to around 20,000, reflecting a 30 percent increase compared to 2023. Furthermore, Sharjah's export and re-export volume to India totaled approximately AED 576 million, as documented through certificates of origin issued by the Chamber. These remarks were made during the Sharjah–India Business Forum, which was organized by the Sharjah Chamber in Mumbai, the first stop of its trade mission to the Republic of India, led by the Sharjah Exports Development Centre (SEDC). The delegation comprises 15 companies from Sharjah, representing a range of economic sectors. This mission reflects SCCI's commitment to supporting the expansion of the UAE companies and the private sector representatives into the Indian market, while also showcasing Sharjah's diverse and high-potential investment opportunities to Indian counterparts. The forum was attended by H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI; H.E. Waleed AbdelRahman BuKhatir, Second Vice Chairman of SCCI; and H.E. Jamal Mohamed Sultan Binhuwaidin, SCCI Board Member. Also present were Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI; Ali Abdullah Al Jari, Director of the Sharjah Export Development Centre; Jamal Saeed Bouzanjal, Director of Corporate Communication at SCCI; and Abdulrahman Saeed Al Suwaidi, Director of Supply Chain and Government Affairs at Bee'ah Group, along with SCCI staff, business leaders, CEOs, and executives from industrial, manufacturing, and export companies operating in Sharjah. During the forum, the Sharjah Chamber's delegation explored ways to strengthen economic and trade cooperation between Sharjah and India, with a focus on partnership prospects in priority sectors. The program featured a range of business meetings and B2B engagements between companies from both sides, aimed at exploring cooperation opportunities, forging agreements, and forming strategic investment partnerships to drive bilateral trade growth. In his keynote speech, H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais expressed his gratitude to the Indian side for their warm welcome and generous hospitality. He emphasized the deep-rooted relations between the UAE and India, noting that that both economies are among the fastest growing in the world, which signals strong prospects for expanding economic opportunities in the coming period. He highlighted the remarkable growth in the two countries' economic partnership, with the UAE ranking as India's third-largest global trading partner in 2024. The volume of non-oil trade between the UAE and India exceeded AED 240 billion in 2024, marking a 20.5% increase from AED 199.3 billion in 2023. This sustained growth reflects the robust momentum and strategic depth of the bilateral trade ties between the two nations. 'Mumbai boasts a strong economic foundation rooted in financial services, information technology, trade, and maritime shipping. It stands out as a strategic gateway for UAE businesses to explore and capitalize on high-potential investment opportunities across these vital sectors. This forum represents a key milestone in advancing bilateral business collaboration and enhancing joint efforts to grow trade and investment volumes,' Al Owais added. He noted that this collaboration will further strengthen the economic ties between the UAE and India, marking a significant stride toward fulfilling the objectives of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which aims to increase mutual investment and trade flows and raise non-oil bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. Ali Abdullah Al Jari delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the key investment advantages offered by Sharjah. He outlined the emirate's diverse economic landscape, its advanced infrastructure, vital industrial and commercial zones, and world-class logistical facilities. He also underscored the Emirate's investor-friendly legal framework, which facilitates business growth and encourages foreign direct investment. The presentation highlighted the Sharjah Chamber's initiatives to support investor engagement through its structured network of business councils. As part of its ongoing visit to India, which will continue until July 11, the delegation will head to Ahmedabad for the second leg of its tour. The agenda includes a dedicated business forum involving meetings with key representatives from Indian chambers of commerce and industry. The program will also feature various business forums and meetings between Emirati and Indian business communities, aimed at exploring investment prospects and establishing joint economic partnerships. For further information, please contact: Ali Elgendy Misbar Communications ali@ Ahmad Aldwairi Misbar Communications


Zawya
03-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sharjah Chamber strengthens investment cooperation with Africa during first-ever trade mission to Mauritius
Mauritius: The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) concluded its first-ever official trade mission to the Republic of Mauritius, which was organized in collaboration with the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Mauritius from June 30 to July 3. The mission aimed at strengthening economic and trade relations and fostering stronger business-to-business engagement. It focused on exploring high-potential investment opportunities and expanding cooperation and coordination between the business communities of Sharjah and Mauritius. This strategic initiative is part of the Chamber's ongoing efforts to attract targeted investments and support the global expansion of private enterprises and local businesses into opportunity-rich markets. Led by H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, the delegation comprised Sheikh Majid Faisal Khalid Al Qasemi, First Vice Chairman of SCCI, along with SCCI Board Members H.E. Ziyad Mohmoud Khairalla AlHaji and H.E. Mohamed Ali Marzook Binkamil. The delegation also included Dr. Fatema Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Director of International Relations at SCCI; Mai Sultan bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation at SCCI; and Dr. Lina Al Samkari and Dr. Hassan Al-Kharrat from Al Hanan Ind LLC. The Sharjah Chamber commenced its trade mission with high-level meetings with senior officials from the Government of Mauritius. The delegation met with Hon. Dhaneshwar Damry, Junior Minister of Finance; Hon. Shakeel Mohamed, Minister of Housing and Lands; Hon. Hambirajen Narsinghen, Junior Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade; Hon. Sayed Muhammad Aadil Ameer Meea, Minister of Industry, SME and Cooperatives; and Hon Mahomed Osman Cassam Mahomed, Minister of Land Transport. During the meetings and in the presence of Mahen Abhimanu Kundasamy, CEO of EDB, both sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and explore investment opportunities in high-potential sectors. They emphasized the importance of activating public-private partnerships and exploring new avenues of collaboration in key sectors, including real estate, infrastructure development, financial services, tourism, and renewable energy. The two sides also discussed opportunities for exchanging expertise and successful experiences in the fields of economic development and enhancing cooperation between the business communities of both countries. The discussions underscored the commitment to advancing bilateral ties and promoting sustainable growth in both the UAE and Mauritius. During these meetings, H.E. Shakeel Mohamed received a formal invitation to serve as Guest of Honor at the upcoming edition of the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition 'ACRES' scheduled to take place at Expo Centre Sharjah in January 2026. In his keynote address, H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais stated that Mauritius stands out as one of Africa's most dynamic and flourishing economies, acting as a strategic regional gateway linking the African continent with Southeast Asia. He noted that organizing this first-of-its-kind trade mission marks a strategic step toward deepening economic cooperation between Sharjah and Mauritius, stimulating trade and investment flows and fostering greater collaboration between private sector players in both markets. 'The importance of this mission is further underscored by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Mauritius, which came into effect earlier this year. The agreement opens the door for the business communities in both countries to benefit from exceptional advantages, including customs exemptions, facilitated trade exchange, and increased investment potential across strategic sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism, and logistics services,' Al Owais added. The official trade mission featured an interactive business forum themed 'Deepening Economic Ties', jointly organized by the Sharjah Chamber and the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Republic of Mauritius. The session was attended by the Sharjah Chamber delegation members, alongside Mahen Abhimanu Kundasamy, CEO of EDB, and a group of Mauritian business leaders and entrepreneurs representing key industries such as financial services, hospitality, real estate, healthcare, and manufacturing. During the forum, Dr. Fatema Khalifa Al Muqarrab delivered a presentation titled "Business and Investment Opportunities in Sharjah', highlighting the emirate's investor-friendly ecosystem and its appeal as a global investment destination for the private sector. Mahen Abhimanu Kundasamy also made a presentation on Innovative Mauritius, showcasing the country's innovation strategy and its well-diversified economy and sectors with strong potential for collaboration with Sharjah. As part of the official trade mission agenda, the Sharjah Chamber signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI). The agreement, signed by H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais and Charles Harel, President of MCCI, aims to unlock new channels of collaboration across several strategic economic sectors, including financial services, tourism investment, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. It also seeks to encourage Emirati companies to capitalize on Mauritius's strategic location as a gateway to African markets. The signing of the MoU coincided with the 175th anniversary of the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a milestone that reflects the deepening relations between the UAE and Mauritius. These ties have been further strengthened by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries, which has contributed to a remarkable 221% increase in Mauritian exports to the UAE since 2018. The agreement has opened new avenues for collaboration in key strategic sectors such as healthcare, finance, tourism, manufacturing, and investment. Through this partnership agreement, the Mauritius Chamber aims to bolster its cooperation with the Sharjah Chamber and capitalize on its extensive global network of over 70 strategic global partnerships. The Sharjah Chamber delegation concluded their official trade mission by conducting a field visit to the facilities of IFFCO Group, a prominent UAE enterprise with a strong footprint in Mauritius, serving as a benchmark for successful industrial and investment expansion in global markets. During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the group's production operations, strategic expansion roadmap, and flagship projects in Mauritius, as well as insights into its supply chain integration across regional and international markets. The trade mission organized a series of events and site visits aimed at exploring major economic and investment projects and ventures in Mauritius. The program also included targeted business dialogue sessions designed to facilitate meaningful networking opportunities and foster stronger business-to-business connections between Emirati entrepreneurs and their Mauritian counterparts.


Zawya
09-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sharjah Chamber and Portuguese Business Council discuss boosting private sector cooperation
Sharjah: The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) engaged in discussions with the Portuguese Business Council to explore ways of enhancing cooperation between the private sectors of both countries. The discussions focused on strengthening the Council's role in supporting the Portuguese business community in Sharjah, facilitating trade missions, and coordinating economic conferences and forums. The meeting also emphasized aligning the Council's efforts with the Sharjah Chamber's strategic objectives to foster bilateral trade and investment growth. The meeting took place at 'Bait Elowal' and was organized by the Sharjah Chamber in collaboration with the Portuguese Business Council, which operates under SCCI's umbrella, in celebration of Portugal's National Day. The event was attended by H.E Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI; H.E Waleed AbdelRahman BuKhatir, Second Vice Chairman of SCCI; and Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI. Also present were Dr. Fatima Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Director of the International Relations Department at SCCI; Heba Al Marzouqi, Head of the Business Councils and Joint Committees Department at SCCI; H.E Lurdes Eusebio, Chairperson of the Portuguese Business Council in Sharjah; and Manuel Couto Miranda, Economic Advisor at the Portuguese Trade and Investment Authority, alongside members of the Council. The meeting featured a presentation film highlighting the Portuguese Business Council's key achievements and its collaborative milestones with the Sharjah Chamber. It showcased joint initiatives and programs that contributed to strengthening the business environment and attracted Portuguese investments to the emirate. Both sides also discussed development plans to enhance the Council's operational efficiency and reinforce its role as a key platform for promoting economic partnerships, boosting investment cooperation in priority sectors aligned with the goals of both business communities. In his welcoming remarks, H.E Abdallah Sultan Al Owais extended his warmest congratulations to the Portuguese Business Council's members on the occasion of Portugal's National Day, highlighting the notable advancement in bilateral economic ties in recent years. This progress has been driven by a series of strategic agreements that laid the foundation for a new phase of advanced economic partnership. He added that Sharjah is committed to broadening its global partnerships, particularly with high-potential markets like Portugal, citing shared opportunities in emerging sectors such as the new economy, sustainable tourism, smart agriculture, and circular and green economies. For her part, H.E Lurdes Eusebio stated that this gathering marks a new milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the Portuguese Business Council and the Sharjah Chamber. She emphasized joint efforts to strengthen the footprint of Portuguese enterprises in Sharjah and broaden their commercial reach. She pointed to the emirate's attractive business landscape, supported by diversified investment prospects, robust infrastructure, and a range of entrepreneurial incentives. For further information, please contact: - Ali Elgendy Misbar Communications ali@ Ahmad Aldwairi Misbar Communications