Sharjah Chamber Advocates For Enhanced Trade Missions To Strengthen Ties With Ethiopia

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) is dedicated to promoting trade missions to Ethiopia. This initiative aims to boost economic collaboration between the business sectors of both nations. The Chamber's strategic plan includes strengthening trade and investment links between the UAE and Ethiopia, expanding its mission reach across Africa. These intentions were shared during a meeting at SCCI’s headquarters.

Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, met with Aklilu Kebede Erena, Consul General of Ethiopia in Dubai and Northern Emirates. Several SCCI board members attended, including Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI, Dr. Fatima Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Director of International Relations at SCCI, and other officials from both sides.

The meeting focused on enhancing economic ties between Sharjah and Ethiopia. Both parties discussed expanding investments in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure. They highlighted the importance of co-hosting economic events like exhibitions and conferences to connect business communities from both countries. Such initiatives aim to foster expertise exchange and support mutual investment growth.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Sharjah Chamber and the Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) supports these efforts. This agreement provides a strategic framework for boosting bilateral economic cooperation. Abdallah Al Owais warmly welcomed the Ethiopian delegation and praised the strengthening economic relations between the UAE and Ethiopia.

Al Owais noted that non-oil trade between the two countries grew by over 180% in recent years. From 2013 to 2022, this trade reached a cumulative value of AED34 billion. Such positive outcomes pave the way for broader economic collaboration, allowing both nations to capitalise on diverse investment opportunities.

He reaffirmed SCCI’s commitment to deepening partnerships with East African countries. He highlighted that Africa, especially Ethiopia, offers significant investment potential in key sectors. This makes it an attractive destination for investors from Sharjah and the wider UAE.

Opportunities in Key Sectors

Aklilu Kebede Erena praised SCCI's proactive efforts in enhancing bilateral economic cooperation. He emphasised Ethiopia's openness to foreign investment and its promising opportunities in vital sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure.

Erena acknowledged the Chamber's dedication to fostering closer ties between business communities in Sharjah and Ethiopia. He stressed that these efforts are crucial for strengthening economic partnerships and exploring new avenues for growth.

The ongoing collaboration between Sharjah Chamber and Ethiopian counterparts highlights a commitment to mutual prosperity. By focusing on key sectors with high potential for growth, both regions aim to create sustainable economic development opportunities.

With inputs from WAM