Sharjah FDI Office highlights emirate’s investment environment

The Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) presented its unique investment opportunities during the recent Asian Financial Forum, revealing the array of its services and facilities aimed at stimulating growth and trade exchange in the Arab region as well as the Asian continent.

During the two-day event, the Invest in Sharjah delegation was led by Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, and Hamad Al Shamsi, Regional Investment Promotion Manager at Invest in Sharjah.

The 17th edition of the forum, held on Jan.24-25 in Hong Kong, gathered over 7,000 participants, including 160 senior figures and economic experts from 70 different countries, and more than 120 global exhibitors, as they discussed the reality and future of the global economy from an Asian perspective.

Invest in Sharjah participation featured a dedicated booth for Sharjah that depicts the investment landscape and facilitated discussions about collaboration with key Asian market decision-makers. The entity’s officials also promoted the vital sectors of Culture and Tourism, Mobility and Logistics, Health and Wellbeing, Greentech, Human Capital and Innovation, Advanced Manufacturing, and Agri-Food Technology.

The Invest in Sharjah booth witnessed the visit of Hussain Bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, the Ambassador of the UAE to the People’s Republic of China, and Sheikh Saoud Almualla, Consul General of the UAE in Hong Kong, where they emphasized on the importance of the office’s proactive engagement in such forums aimed at enhancing the investment landscape, both within the UAE and, more specifically, in Sharjah.

Speaking on their participation, Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, the Invest in Sharjah CEO stated, “Our participation at an international event like the Asian Financial Forum is filled with unique opportunities and insights. During our visit we gained valuable perspectives on investor trends while showcasing Sharjah’s attractive investment environment. We were glad to find significant interest in our emirate’s diverse offerings, facilities, and advantageous business environment, cementing Sharjah’s status as a prime investment destination for the region and the globe.”

He added, “Our participation underscores the robust economic ties between Sharjah, Hong Kong, and China. Sharjah is currently home to 47 companies from Hong Kong, 14 operating on the emirate’s mainland and 33 in its free zones, with trade volumes exceeding AED 11.8 million.”

The delegation participation also included meetings with Hong Kong’s leading economic and investment bodies, including Pan Asia Capital, specialized in the field of investment and asset management, and the Labuan International Business and Financial Centre, that offers global investors and businesses the benefits of being in a well-regulated and supervised jurisdiction. The delegation also held a meeting with Dr. Jonathan CHOI Koon-shum, Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (CGCC).

The Invest in Sharjah delegation engaged in the forum’s three main sessions focused on fintech, healthcare, sustainability, and clean technology as well as sessions that brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and other financiers. These sessions were attended by more than 1000 project owners and investors.

The Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong is among the most distinguished economic events. It focuses on the current and future state of the economy from an Asian perspective, exploring topics like economic expectations, Asian-led multilateralism, asset and wealth management, insurance and risk management, philanthropy, and impact investing.

Meanwhile during the Sharjah FDI Office’s (Invest in Sharjah) participation in UNCTAD’s 8th World Investment Forum (WIF) in Abu Dhabi, the agency’s delegation underscored the vital importance of smart technologies and digital solutions in empowering investors to make well-informed decisions regarding their investment choices. This empowerment is made possible by harnessing the extensive data and real-world insights offered by investment agencies such as Invest in Sharjah.

Sharjah has solidified its global standing as a preferred investment destination by dedicating 35 per cent of its 2023 budget to bolstering infrastructure development.

This commitment enhances Sharjah’s appeal and solidifies the UAE’s position as a prominent global investment hub, especially in the fields of telecommunications, information technology, and industrial sectors.

The delegation was led by Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, and Marwan Saleh Alichla, Director of Investment Promotion and Support. At the event, Invest in Sharjah’s booth presented a comprehensive overview of the features and services available to investors in the emirate, highlighting investment opportunities, government incentives, and the competitive advantages that make Sharjah an ideal destination for foreign direct investment.