SCCI receives Canadian delegation

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on February 17, 2009 received a Canadian delegation led by H.E. Ambassador Sara Hradecky, Canada’s Ambassador to the UAE, to discuss Canada’s strong ties with Sharjah and the UAE in general and to explore various business and investment prospects between the emirate and Canada.

SCCI Chairman Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa extended a warm welcome to the 32 Canadian delegates during his opening address. Ahmad Al Shahad, Chairman of the Canadian Business Council, then gave a short presentation, followed by a talk by SCCI Director General Hussein Mohammed Al Mahmoudi, who introduced the Chamber and discussed Sharjah’s business environment and investment opportunities as well as relations between the UAE and Canada. Hamriyah Free Zone Marketing Director Hadi Qasim talked about the benefits offered by Sharjah’s free zones, while a Gulftainer representative explained the facilities and capabilities of local ports.

“Both Sharjah and Canada have been able to successfully control the negative consequences of the global financial crisis mainly through good governance, effective business and investment strategies, and harmonious international relations. My country looks forward to maintaining close and highly productive economic ties with the emirate and the UAE in general, so that we can share the practices and policies that have made our countries some of the most vibrant economies in the world,” said H.E. Ambassador Hradecky.

“Today’s economic environment poses as many opportunities as challenges, especially for countries such as Canada and UAE which have so many demographic and economic similarities. We are eager to implement the many strategies we have discussed which will enhance Sharjah’s partnership with Canadian businesses while bringing both countries closer to their economic and trade objectives. On a broader note, this gathering reflects SCCI’s commitment to expanding the regional and international partnerships of the organisation and its members,” said Hussein Mohammed Al Mahmoudi.

During the meeting, both parties discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the SCCI and the Canadian Business Council (CBC), which in turn would boost investment opportunities in Sharjah. They also discussed the joint organization of various industry-focused seminars and forums. Al Midfa expressed appreciation for the role played by Canadian companies in developing several of the UAE’s economic sectors, especially those involving education, hygiene, the environment and construction. CBC Chairman Ahmad Al Shahad commented on how the non-profit Council has been instrumental in assisting Canadian businessmen in growing their UAE investments and promoting trade between Canada and the Middle East since its establishment in 1997.

Trade between Sharjah and Canada reached AED 295 million in 2008, with exports from Canada to Sharjah accounting for AED 240 million while exports from Sharjah to Canada amounting to AED 55 million. More than 135 Canadian companies currently operate in Sharjah with a combined capital of more than AED 67.3 million.