The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) recently hosted a special meeting and tour for a visiting delegation of business administration students from the University of Minnesota. The event, which was held in cooperation with the University of Dubai, aimed at giving the American students a better understanding of Sharjah’s current economic development programs and initiatives, and also the emirate’s diverse history and culture. The unique exchange of ideas between the two parties has prompted the visiting delegation to draw inspiration from the various programs and initiatives that the local chamber has implemented to aid the development of Sharjah’s business sector.
During the visit, Hussein Mohammed Al Mahmoudi, SCCI Director General, gave a presentation on Sharjah’s current economic environment, investment advantages, human and natural resources and the recent legislation in the UAE that aims to attract investments into the country.
In his presentation, Al Mahmoudi briefed the students on Sharjah’s vision and its continuing efforts to create an ideal and balanced investment environment—providing all the essential tools and programs needed to support Sharjah’s business sector. The presentation also focused on SCCI’s move to develop the educational sector by reinforcing ties between academic institutions and the private sector. According to Al Mahmoudi, the need to strengthen relationships between the two sectors acts as a key strategy that helps identify the priorities and needs of the labour market and helps solve manpower demand by producing highly-skilled and qualified human resources. The move also seeks to strengthen the private sector’s role in Sharjah’s bid to achieve sustainable development.
The SCCI Director General also talked about the various services, programs and facilities that the chamber provides for its members. He also discussed the recent initiatives implemented by the SCCI—The Sharjah Training and Development Center; Small and Medium Enterprises Strategy; Business Council for Sustainable Development UAE (BCSD-UAE); Sharjah Economic Excellence Award; Sharjah International Commercial Arbitration Center and the annual promotions and festivals organized by the chamber as a means to bolster employee development and improve Sharjah’s economic and investment environment.
A presentation was also made on the Sharjah Tatweer Forum (STF), the emirate's initiative for developing the skills of UAE nationals and promoting partnership among various sectors. Waleed Al Naqbi, STF Director, spoke about the objectives and strategies of the STF that are aimed at developing today’s young leaders and encouraging them to achieve excellence in their endeavors. Al Naqbi also shared the importance of reinforcing ties between various societal sectors as a means to help raise Sharjah’s competitiveness, facilitate the exchange of ideas, sustain creativity and promote the adoption of best global practices.
The two presentations were followed by an open discussion wherein the visiting American students were able to raise questions on economic policies, future programs and strategies that can help improve management science studies in the region. During the discussion, SCCI officials and members were able to share experiences on successful business projects and the strategies that the chamber and the business sector have implemented to help improve Sharjah’s business environment. The discussion was capped with the SCCI’s presentation of the English edition of the book “The Power Struggle and Trade”, which was written by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
In response to the dialogue and the warm reception they received, the visiting US delegation shared that the visit has enriched their knowledge and has allowed them to draw inspiration from the programs and initiatives that the SCCI has conducted.
After the forum, the students were taken on a tour of the permanent exhibition for locally-made products. Mohammed Juma Al Musharekh, Head of SCCI Foreign Relations, gave the students a detailed briefing on the different industrial establishments in Sharjah and the important role that the emirate has played in both the country and the region’s bid for industrial development.
