Sharjah Chamber Hosts Forum To Enhance Investment Opportunities For Congolese Companies

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) recently hosted the Sharjah-DR Congo Business Forum. This event gathered key investors and senior representatives from major UAE and Congolese companies. The forum aimed to enhance bilateral relations, explore new economic cooperation avenues, and establish sustainable partnerships to boost mutual trade and investment.

Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, welcomed the Congolese delegation. He highlighted that the forum signifies Sharjah Chamber's dedication to promoting economic openness and international partnerships. Al Owais noted that non-oil trade between the UAE and DRC reached US$3.1 billion in 2024, a 4.2% increase from 2023. UAE non-oil exports to DRC amounted to US$86 million.

Marie Ndjeka Opombo, Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the UAE, praised the growing economic relations between the two nations. She described the forum as a strategic platform for advancing trade and investment partnerships. It aims to turn strategic visions into actionable projects by unlocking new investment opportunities across key sectors.

Humaid Mohammed bin Salem emphasised effective communication and business cooperation as essential for deepening economic ties between the UAE and DRC. He highlighted the UAE's appeal as an attractive investment destination due to its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and pro-business legislation.

The forum featured two focused sessions targeting collaboration opportunities in both public and private sectors. The first session, "Public Sector Opportunities," explored frameworks for investment facilitation and public-private partnerships with insights from key Congolese entities like ANAPI and the National Electricity Company.

The second session, "Private Sector Perspectives," brought together representatives from the Federation of Congolese Enterprises and Mining Engineering Services (MES). They discussed direct partnership opportunities between private sector companies from DRC and their counterparts in Sharjah.

Promising Market Potential

Rachel Pungu luamba presented "An Overview of DRC," highlighting its economic potential as an investment destination. She outlined pro-investment policies, legal reforms, and incentives designed to boost investor confidence. The presentation showcased DRC's capabilities in natural resources, mining, agriculture, energy, and infrastructure.

The forum concluded with intensive B2B meetings between Emirati and Congolese business representatives. These discussions focused on practical frameworks for collaboration and investment. They underscored a shared commitment to elevate cooperation towards greater economic integration based on mutual interests.

Al Owais remarked that through CEPA, bilateral trade volumes could exceed US$7.2 billion by 2032. He added that Sharjah's advanced business environment serves as an ideal gateway for Congolese investors aiming to enter regional markets.

With inputs from WAM