Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Launches Pakistan Business Council to Strengthen Economic Ties
Sharjah, UAE – The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has officially launched the Pakistan Business Council in Sharjah, marking a significant step towards expanding economic cooperation between the emirate and Pakistan. This initiative aims to boost trade and investment exchanges, capitalize on mutual opportunities, and contribute to the growth of the private sector while enhancing its role in comprehensive economic development.
The inauguration ceremony, held at SCCI’s headquarters, was attended by notable dignitaries, including H.E Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the SCCI; H.E Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE; H.E Waleed Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, Second Vice Chairman of the SCCI; H.E. Hussain Muhammad, Consul General of Pakistan; and key members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Other attendees included H.E. Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI; Abdulaziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI; Fatema Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Director of International Relations Department at SCCI; and Syed Muhammad Tahir, Chairman of the Founding Committee of Pakistan Business Council, along with representatives of the Pakistani business community in Sharjah.
H.E Abdallah Sultan Al Owais highlighted that the launch of the Pakistan Business Council in Sharjah is a significant addition to the network of business councils under the SCCI. These councils serve as ideal platforms for companies to connect, collaborate, and form mutually beneficial partnerships. The new council aligns with SCCI’s strategy to expand business councils and enhance economic collaboration, fostering cross-border partnerships among entrepreneurs and investors, and strengthening investment and trade ties with global business communities.
Al Owais emphasized the close and historically rich relationship between the UAE and Pakistan, further strengthened by strategic economic and trade partnerships. In 2022, the value of non-oil foreign trade between the UAE and Pakistan reached AED 25.7 billion, marking a 30% increase from AED 19.8 billion in 2021. This growth reflects the strong commitment of both countries’ leaderships to deepening bilateral relations and driving towards greater development and prosperity. Additionally, the UAE is investing $10 billion in Pakistan’s key economic sectors.
Al Owais pointed out that the new council is built on a solid foundation and is expected to play a pivotal role in nurturing sustainable partnerships, boosting trade and investment between the two business communities, and elevating bilateral business relations to new heights. He added that the council is a gateway for Pakistani business leaders to engage more deeply with Sharjah’s business community, facilitating the exchange of ideas, exploring different experiences, and launching new investment projects in the emirate. He stressed that Sharjah offers a conducive business environment with strategic perks, top-notch logistics, supportive legislation, and robust infrastructure.
H.E Faisal Niaz Tirmizi praised the SCCI’s pioneering efforts in launching the Pakistan Business Council and its continuous support for entrepreneurs. He noted that these efforts would significantly enhance employment opportunities and drive innovation across diverse sectors, adding significant value to both economies. Tirmizi highlighted the immense potential for bilateral trade growth between the UAE and Pakistan, emphasizing the new council’s role in promoting Pakistani businesses across the UAE, expanding into regional markets, and exploring joint ventures through conferences, trade shows, and delegate exchanges. The council will also represent and safeguard the interests of Pakistani businesses, ensuring they leverage the diverse services offered by the SCCI.
Syed Muhammad Tahir expressed the Pakistani business community’s deep appreciation for the SCCI’s efforts in creating new and advanced economic opportunities for investors and innovators across multiple industries. He pointed to the council’s critical role in bolstering private sector engagement within Sharjah’s economy and opening new avenues for future collaboration between the business communities of both nations.
The inauguration ceremony included a presentation on the mission and strategic goals of the business councils under the SCCI, tasked with enhancing bilateral cooperation and increasing trade and investment volumes between Sharjah and the respective countries represented by the council’s founders. By engaging representatives from both sides, these councils aim to showcase business opportunities to entrepreneurs, support the SCCI’s overarching objectives, and promote collaboration across all relevant sectors.