Sharjah: Companies invested Dh8 billion and inducted 82,000 skilled workers into the manufacturing industry this year, according to the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).
About one-third of the UAE's manufacturing industry is based in Sharjah, whose total production value reached Dh19 billion last year.
"The crisis showed us that manufacturing is the best, strongest and most sustainable option for the development of nations," said Hussain Mohammad Al Mahmoudi, Director-General of SCCI in a press conference yesterday. There are 1,450 manufacturing plants in Sharjah where small and medium enterprises make up 80 per cent of businesses. Most are involved in the manufacturing of mineral products, equipment and machinery (27 per cent). chemicals, plastic and oil-related products make up 18 per cent, wood products (15 per cent), non-mineral products (nine per cent), paper and printing (nine per cent), clothing (eight per cent), food and drinks (six per cent) and re-manufacturing (six per cent), according to Al Mahmoudi.
Manufacturing centre
"Sharjah is the centre of industry, manufacturing and consumer markets, positioned in the middle of Dubai and the northern emirates," said Neil Hickman of the Sharjah Expo Centre. Authorities are working on facilitating licensing procedures for companies in Sharjah to encourage business set-ups there, said Fatma Al Shamsi, Deputy Director of the Economic and Public Relations at the Sharjah Economic Development Department.
Sharjah About 100 companies are participating in the "Made in Sharjah" Exhibition from November 21 to 25 in an event that aims to support and promote the emirate's manufacturing industry, organisers said.
The exhibition is the first of its kind in the UAE and GCC, according to Hussain Mohammad Al Mahmoudi, Director-General of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which organised the event. "I expect it to increase awareness about the importance of industry as a strategic way ahead for the economy," he said.
In a bid to shift the focus to non-oil exports, the exhibition aims to boost confidence in manufacturing and drive up exports, said Al Mahmoudi.
The purpose of the exhibit is to support local manufacturers by attracting importers and exporters, supporting the local industry, and emphasising Sharjah's role as the hub of national industry.
