The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has stressed that the UAE’s hosting of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 28) is a clear indication of the nation’s leading role in global climate action efforts.
Hosting COP 28, the chamber said, also reflects the UAE’s commitment to sustainability, its proactive approach to addressing energy and climate change issues, and its dedication to crafting sustainable solutions for environmental challenges and building a sustainable future for everyone.
The Chamber stressed that it will spare no effort to launch innovative projects and adopt innovative initiatives designed to enhance the business community and the private sector’s capacity for embracing sustainable practices and standards, using clean energy, and promoting the circular economy to both conserve resources and increase production.
These remarks were made at the chamber’s headquarters during the 7th regular meeting of the SCCI Board of Directors. The meeting was chaired by Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, and attended by notable figures such as Waleed Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, Second Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, SCCI, and members of the Board of Directors.
Also in attendance were Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of the Chamber; Mariam Saif Al Shamsi, Assistant Director General for Logistics; and Abdulaziz Mohammed Shattaf, Assistant Director-General of the Communication and Business Sector at the Sharjah Chamber.
The SCCI Board kicked off the meeting by extending its sincere appreciation and gratitude for the unlimited support and attention bestowed upon it by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
During the meeting, the Board delved into several key agenda items, with a primary focus on the endorsement of the projected budget and operational plan for the Sharjah Chamber for 2024.
Additionally, discussions touched on the latest developments in the economic sectors within the Emirate of Sharjah. Furthermore, the Board took stock of the Chamber’s notable accomplishments throughout the current year, shedding light on the outcomes of various initiatives, projects, and both domestic and international collaborations aimed at advancing commercial and industrial growth and enhancing the emirate’s exports to countries worldwide.
Abdullah Sultan Al Owais extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the wise leadership on the occasion of the 52nd Union Day. He highlighted that this year has been particularly exceptional for the Chamber, as it has achieved numerous milestones, including significant growth in membership and the number of companies under its umbrella, as well as the successful completion and launch of various developmental projects. These projects were tailored to enhance Sharjah’s economic stature and establish it as a premier hub for business and investment, both regionally and globally.
The SCCI Chairman further emphasized that the UAE’s role as the host of COP28 underscores its leadership in sustainability, commitment to climate neutrality, and dedication to environmental conservation. He reaffirmed that Sharjah Chambers is committed to galvanizing the private sector’s involvement in the successful execution of COP28.
Al Owais stressed that the SCCI will continue to play a vital role in motivating the private sector and business community to integrate sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives and programmes into their corporate strategies.
For his part, Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi provided an overview of the significant accomplishments achieved by the chamber’s departments in 2023. He shed light on the outcomes of the foreign trade missions organized by the Sharjah Chamber through the Sharjah Exports Development Center, which included visits to India, Uganda, and Kenya. Additionally, he highlighted the successful hosting of business forums and the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding.
During the meeting, the Council also reviewed key projects that the Chamber is set to launch in the near future. These projects will, as the board said, drive the Chamber’s efforts to the next level, fostering the development and prosperity of Sharjah’s business sectors. They will also contribute to improving the quality of services offered to its affiliated members and expanding their commercial networks on a global scale.
Additionally, the meeting included a briefing on the development plan of the Sharjah Exports Development Center for the next phase. This plan is designed to promote and enhance the capabilities of industrial companies and to bolster the emirate’s exports to regional and global markets.