Sharjah: The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has successfully concluded its participation at the HKTDC World SME Expo, which was organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) from the 6th till the 8th of December at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The Sharjah Airport International Free zone (SAIF Zone) and the Al Hamriyah Free zone were also present at the three-day B2B event, during which Shurooq showcased the high level of support that Sharjah provides to Small and Medium Enterprises, as well as the wide range of business opportunities that Sharjah has on offer for SME’s.
Ahmad Al Khaja, UAE Consul General in Hong Kong, visited Shurooq’s Stand where he listened to a presentation on Shurooq’s vision and goals behind its international participations in exhibitions and conferences. Shurooq’s delegation highlighted the Authority’s most prominent achievements and landmark projects.
He lauded the efforts by Shurooq to promote the UAE in general and Sharjah in particular. “Our country enjoys strategic geographical location and economic characteristics as well as business potential that qualify it to compete with all countries across the world, and also has a wise leadership that is fully aware of the importance of economic openness and supports it through attractive business and investment laws as well as world-class standards and services”, the Consul General said.
Al Khaja emphasised the consulate’s support for all Emirati establishments and bodies that wish to communicate with companies, investors and government authorities in Hong Kong.
The Expo provided an platform for Shurooq to further strengthen its economic ties with Hong Kong, in line with its on-going strategy to promote Sharjah as a premier investment and business destination in the Middle East.
Represented by Ahmad Obaid Al Qaseer, Shurooq COO, Elie Armaly, Director of Business Development at Shurooq and Mohammad Juma Al Musharrkh, Head of Investment Promotion at Shurooq, the delegation conducted on the first day a number of meetings with Hong Kong based companies and investors to discuss the wide array of investment opportunities that Sharjah has to offer and explore mutually beneficial business ventures.
Commenting on their participation, Shurooq COO Ahmad, Obaid Al Qaseer, said, “The HKTDC World SME Expo is a unique annual event, which provides us with the opportunity to come into direct contact countless SMEs that would benefit from expanding their business into the Middle East via Sharjah as a leading investment and business destination. Small to Medium Enterprises form the backbone of any healthy, thriving economy and as such are a major focus of attention in the Authority’s overall strategy.”
“We are pleased to report that Shurooq’s participation is being exceptionally well-received and generating a high level of interest across the board.” Investor relations between the emirate of Sharjah and Hong Kong remain strong with considerable future growth still to come”, Al Qaseer added.
During the Expo, Ahmad Obaid Al Qaseer represented Shurooq, along with representatives from both Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman, in a panel discussion, which focused on business opportunities in the Middle East on the second day of the exhibition.
The discussion was attended by Ahmad Al Khaja, UAE Consul General in Hong Kong, and Steven Wing, Regional Manager of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) a large number of delegates from various authorities and government agencies, as well as numerous investors and business individuals from both Hong Kong and further afield.
Highlighting the economic growth seen by the UAE, Al Qaseer said the International Monetary Fund currently estimates that the UAE will show real GDP growth of 2.3% in 2012, having already grown 4.9% in 2011. The UAE economy is also expected to further grow by 2.8% and 3.3% in 2013 and 2014 respectively.
