Sharjah Chamber and the Hong Kong Economic Office

Sharjah Chamber & Hong Kong Economic Office Explore New Investment Partnerships

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai discussed ways to develop economic and trade cooperation, explore new investment partnerships, and establish mechanisms for mutual participation in economic events and specialized exhibitions, particularly jewelry exhibitions.

This took place during a working meeting held yesterday at the Chamber's headquarters between Abdulaziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director General for Communication and Business at the Sharjah Chamber, and Simon Chan, Director General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai.

This initiative reflects the Chamber's commitment to fostering communication between the UAE business community and investors in Hong Kong, thereby expanding strategic partnerships and capitalizing on promising opportunities.

The meeting is a continuation of the ongoing cooperation and communication between the two sides, building on the outcomes of previous meetings and joint initiatives that have characterized bilateral relations in recent years. A key highlight was the visit of a trade delegation, headed by the Hong Kong Minister of Justice, to the Chamber in 2024, followed by a visit from a high-level business delegation comprising 20 leading business figures.

This delegation explored investment opportunities and strengthened cooperation in vital sectors, including investment, advanced manufacturing, and cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, construction robotics, energy, healthcare, real estate, financial services, and the trade of jewelry, diamonds, and luxury watches.

Abdulaziz Al Shamsi emphasized that bilateral relations between Sharjah and Hong Kong are experiencing increasing momentum in economic and investment partnerships. He noted that cooperation has expanded to encompass diverse fields, including international commercial arbitration.

This is exemplified by the collaboration launched by the Sharjah International Commercial Arbitration Centre (Tahkeem) with Hong Kong in May 2024, aimed at exchanging expertise on alternative dispute resolution methods, technology, and innovation.

He also mentioned cooperation in strategic areas such as renewable energy and e-commerce, which were discussed during a previous meeting between the Chamber and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. Al Shamsi added that the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry is keen to strengthen its partnerships with global financial and commercial centers, including Hong Kong, which represents a strategic gateway to Asian markets.

He highlighted the attractive investment opportunities the emirate offers investors across various sectors, including gold, jewelry, and precious stones. He emphasized the Chamber's commitment to providing the necessary facilities for companies from Hong Kong to access regional markets through Sharjah.

For its part, the delegation from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office commended the rapid economic development witnessed in the Emirate of Sharjah and the advanced infrastructure it provides to the business community.

They affirmed their commitment to mutual cooperation with the Chamber in various economic fields and to leveraging Sharjah's strategic geographic location, its free zones, and its promising opportunities in manufacturing and regional and international trade.

The meeting explored strategic topics, primarily the exhibitions industry, and discussed ways to facilitate and expand the participation of Hong Kong businesses and companies in major events organized by Sharjah, most notably the Middle East Watch and Jewellery Show and the Emirates Jewellery Show.

The discussion also touched upon Emirati participation in exhibitions held in Hong Kong, given the UAE's leading role in the jewelry and precious stones industry. The meeting addressed cooperation with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office and expanding the partnership to establish its headquarters in the Emirate of Sharjah.

Discussions also focused on mechanisms to activate joint cooperation, supporting the office as a launchpad and gateway for attracting Asian companies to operate and invest in diverse economic and commercial activities. This would allow them to benefit from the competitive advantages and advanced infrastructure offered by the Emirate of Sharjah, a leading economic hub in the region.