Sharjah Welcomes High-Level Chinese Delegation To Strengthen Economic Ties And Explore Investment Opportunities

The Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, alongside the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), recently hosted a delegation from China. This group included key investors and business leaders aiming to explore investment opportunities in the emirate. The visit was part of efforts to enhance international economic ties and investment cooperation.

Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of DGR, welcomed the delegation along with Sheikh Saud Al Qasimi and Sheikh Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, and other officials were also present. The Chinese delegation was led by Ronnie Chan of Hang Lung Properties, Fanjie Wei from Shanghai Future-Oriented Industries Fund, and Peng Wang of Inatai Investment Management Company.

The visit began with a business forum at the House of Wisdom. Discussions focused on investment prospects in sectors like culture, tourism, logistics, health, GreenTech, and advanced manufacturing. Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi and Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh delivered welcome speeches. A presentation titled "Why Sharjah? An Investment Landscape Overview" highlighted the emirate's potential.

Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi remarked on the visit's significance: "The delegation’s visit to Sharjah reflects the strength of economic and investment relations between the emirate and global markets, reinforcing Sharjah’s status as a preferred destination for investors." He emphasised that such visits strengthen economic ties and open doors for high-value investments.

Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh described the visit as pivotal for enhancing investment relations between Sharjah and China. He noted that global partnerships are crucial for sustainable economic growth. "Sharjah offers promising opportunities across various sectors," he stated, highlighting its supportive environment for businesses.

The delegation also visited the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone. Saud Salim Al Mazrouei welcomed them, discussing UAE-China economic relations as a model of international cooperation. He noted China's growing interest in investing in Sharjah due to its strategic location and investor-friendly policies.

Exploring Economic Cooperation

The Chinese visitors learned about how the Free Zone facilitates trade through its strategic location and streamlined procedures. They met with Zouheir Sabra from BEEAH Capital to discuss innovative solutions offered by BEEAH Group. A tour of their headquarters provided insights into their operations.

The trip concluded with a dinner at Mleiha Archaeological Centre where delegates explored archaeological findings showcasing regional history. This centre is integral to Sharjah’s eco-heritage tourism initiative attracting global visitors.

China remains UAE's largest trading partner, contributing over 11% to non-oil trade. In early 2024 alone, bilateral trade reached US$42 billion—a 3% increase from last year—demonstrating robust economic ties between both nations.

With inputs from WAM