‘Sharjah strives to be leader in attracting business to region’

Sharjah / Emirates Business

‘Sharjah is open for business’ – that was the message delivered by HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) during his closing address at the Sharjah Foreign Direct Investment Forum (Sharjah FDI Forum 2016), which concluded on Thursday at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in Sharjah in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Shurooq and high level business and investment executives and dignitaries.
Organised by Shurooq in collaboration with the UK’s Financial Times and fDi Magazine, the two-day Sharjah FDI Forum was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
The second edition of the annual foreign direct investment (FDI) forum brought together business leaders, government officials and representatives of public sector organisations from across the world to examine the challenges and opportunities for FDI in the UAE in general and Sharjah specifically in light of current economic conditions.
“FDI plays a key role in developing economic relations on a global scale and Sharjah is striving to be a leader in attracting investment to the region. This is why we hosted the MENA region’s largest investment and financial forum. We wanted to inform participants on the best practices that can maximise their business growth and draw attention to the emirate’s premium facilities and services,” said Al Sarkal.
“His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi started the second Sharjah FDI Forum by demonstrating the most inspiring definition of FDI, which referenced not only its economic benefits but also the positive cultural, artistic and literary impact it has on societies around the world. His wise interpretation of FDI growth and how it serves as a key driver to the development of civilisation reflects what Sharjah is and always will be,” he added.
Sharjah FDI Forum 2016 was organised to play a key role in allowing investors, business leaders and other stakeholders access the most dynamic insights, services and legislations, with the goal of promoting Sharjah as a being a gateway for international expansion. Among the programme of activities were key note addresses, panel discussions, presentations and success story case studies. Insights included work culture equality, the attraction of conservatism, how to facilitate cross-border expansion and the importance of
economic diversification.
“Sharjah FDI Forum 2016 looked at opportunities beyond oil, emphasising how the UAE and Sharjah have created the most fertile conditions for global businesses by operating premium FDI policies to attract global foreign investors. These conditions were highlighted by multiple speakers during the event who have successfully established their businesses from Sharjah, in the process revealing the most innovative practices being implemented in the emirate and how these have boosted capital for companies operating in and out of Sharjah and the UAE,” added Al Sarkal.