Sharjah FDI Forum set to address SME Global Connectivity with World Markets

SHARJAH: The Sharjah FDI Forum, organised by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), in collaboration with Financial Times (FT) and the fDi magazine, will from September 28- 29 highlight the growing stature of SMEs in MENA and global economies, as well as reviewing the best global practices in starting, managing and sponsoring SMEs in the region.

Held under the patronage His Highness Shaikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the event, which is set to kick off on September 28 at Al Jawaher Reception & Convention Centre in Sharjah, will play an effective role in empowering the SMEs sector by providing an all-inclusive overview about the legislative reality to support this category of projects, inspired by some of the most renowned success stories globally.

“Supporting SMEs in UAE is a result of our wise leadership’s vision that has adopted the policy of economic diversification, and has focused on non-oil sectors as the main source of profitability. As SMEs continue to contribute more than 90 per cent GDPs of many countries across the globe, the UAE has always recognised that this increasingly dynamic sector can strategically integrate its economy to a new circular shift, allowing different emirates and the region to explore, discover and boost a series of sectors that diversify profitability and innovation,” said Marwan Bin Jasem Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq.

He added, “SMEs have continuously proven to be one of our major catalysts in Sharjah’s investment growth. The way Sharjah has positioned itself in this sector was tailored specifically to become an attractive business destination for investors, business owners and SMEs, as well as establish itself as a central platform for many start-ups and launches of new industry-leading projects on a local and MENA level. Thanks to these efforts, today Sharjah is home to more than 45,000 SMEs with future projections continuing to show a steady increase.”

Sharjah FDI Forum 2016 will provide an unparalleled opportunity to review investment prospects in the UAE and particularly in Sharjah, as well as potential opportunities in various economic sectors, with the participation of an elite group of decision-makers, officials and economic experts.