Sharjah Business Women Council And Sheraa Prepare Women Entrepreneurs For Upcoming Trade Mission To China

The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC), in partnership with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) and the Sharjah Foundation for Supporting Entrepreneurial Projects (Ruwad), recently organised a workshop for female entrepreneurs. This event was a precursor to the upcoming Sharjah Trade Mission to China, scheduled from November 10 to 15 in Guangzhou. The mission aims to forge new partnerships and explore valuable sourcing opportunities.

Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBWC, highlighted the mission's significance as an investment in the UAE’s entrepreneurial future. "We are not simply looking for suppliers; we seek long-term partners who can add lasting value to our businesses. Each participant represents the spirit of Emirati entrepreneurship, and this mission will catalyse new ideas and strong partnerships," she proclaimed.

During the workshop titled "Sourcing with Purpose: Know What You Need and Why," 16 women entrepreneurs were selected from over 300 applicants. Held at Sheraa's headquarters, it focused on sectors like fashion, beauty, retail, and packaging. The session aimed to provide participants with strategies for identifying procurement needs and enhancing sourcing processes before their trade mission.

Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, stressed the mission’s role in empowering entrepreneurs through exposure to international markets. "This initiative reinforces our commitment to building an entrepreneurial ecosystem that competes on a global scale, creating pathways for strategic partnerships that can drive long-term growth," she noted.

Aroob Al Husainan led the training session as an experienced entrepreneur and supply chain advisor. Her expertise in establishing trade connections between China and the Middle East was invaluable for participants preparing for the trade mission. Her insights helped equip them with effective sourcing strategies and a broader understanding of potential collaborations.

Fostering Global Connections

Amina Mohammed Abdulrahim from Ruwad emphasised the workshop's collaborative nature, which fosters connections between national projects and international markets. "We take pride in providing Emirati entrepreneurs with the resources to navigate global competition and open new avenues for growth," she stated.

This initiative aligns with the UAE’s national campaign, "The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World." Supported by various government bodies, it underscores Emirati women's potential on an international stage. The trade mission aims not only to expand business horizons but also to position Emirati women as key players in the global economy.

As participants prepare for their journey, they gain more than just sourcing skills; they acquire insights into collaboration and innovation through global partnerships. This effort highlights a future where Emirati women entrepreneurs are acknowledged as vital contributors to the worldwide economy.

With inputs from WAM