Sharjah: In a significant move to enhance economic and investment cooperation, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has launched the Pakistan Business Council. This initiative, inaugurated at the SCCI headquarters, aims to reinforce trade and investment exchanges between Sharjah and Pakistan, fostering mutual growth and development in both regions.

According to Press Information Department, the ceremony was graced by notable figures such as H.E Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; H.E Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in the UAE; and H.E Waleed Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, Second Vice Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber. The event was also attended by key members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and prominent members of the Pakistani business community in Sharjah.

H.E Abdallah Sultan Al Owais highlighted that the Pakistan Business Council is a crucial part of SCCI’s strategy to proliferate the number of business councils, which serve as platforms for fostering cross-border partnerships and strengthening economic ties. He noted the historically rich relationship between the UAE and Pakistan, which is further bolstered by strategic economic and trade partnerships. Al Owais pointed out the significant increase in non-oil foreign trade between the two nations, which reached AED 25.7 billion in 2022, up by 30% from the previous year. He emphasized that the UAE’s $10 billion investment in Pakistan’s key economic sectors is a testament to the commitment to deepening these bilateral relations.

H.E Faisal Niaz Tirmizi lauded the SCCI’s efforts in establishing the council, which he believes will enhance employment opportunities and spur innovation across various sectors. He underscored the potential for greater business-to-business collaboration and highlighted the council’s role in promoting Pakistani businesses in the UAE and expanding into regional markets.

Syed Muhammad Tahir, Chairman of the Founding Committee of Pakistan Business Council, expressed gratitude towards the SCCI for creating economic opportunities for investors and innovators. He emphasized the council’s role in bolstering the private sector’s engagement within Sharjah’s economy and fostering future collaboration between the business communities of both nations.

The inauguration also included a presentation on the mission and strategic goals of the business councils under the SCCI umbrella, which are dedicated to enhancing bilateral cooperation and increasing trade and investment volumes. These councils also aim to showcase business opportunities and support the Chamber’s overarching objectives by promoting collaboration across all relevant sectors.