The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been actively enhancing its international economic ties through a series of high-level meetings with business communities in Nepal and Sri Lanka. The goal is to explore new investment opportunities and develop strategic partnerships in vital sectors, including energy, tourism, technology, logistics, and food security.
This initiative was highlighted during a meeting chaired by Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, the Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber, with a distinguished delegation from Nepal, which included Tij Bahadur Chhetri, the Ambassador of Nepal to the UAE, and Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI). The meeting was also attended by Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, the Chamber’s General Director, alongside various executives from the Chamber.
During this meeting, both parties discussed investment opportunities within the Nepalese business community, focusing on sectors such as tourism, information technology, hydropower, and agriculture. They also emphasized the importance of activating the role of the private sector in boosting trade exchanges and identifying promising opportunities across various economic sectors.
Al Owais reiterated that Sharjah, under the insightful leadership of its authorities, provides a dynamic and secure business environment that enables international partners to expand and achieve their investment goals. He added that Sharjah Expo serves as a global platform for attracting investments by hosting specialized exhibitions, including “Icons Real Estate,” “Steel Fab,” and the Middle East Watch and Jewelry Show, which act as vital bridges for direct interaction between regional and international investors and manufacturers.
Moreover, Tij Bahadur Chhetri expressed his appreciation for the leadership role of the Sharjah Chamber in fostering bilateral economic relations. He noted that the significant Nepali community in the UAE provides a strong foundation for enhancing cultural and economic ties. Chhetri emphasized that Nepal is eager to develop strategic partnerships, especially in higher education and academic research, in collaboration with Sharjah’s prestigious universities.
The discussions also addressed priority sectors in Nepal, such as hydropower projects, tourism infrastructure (including cable car projects), the information technology sector, ready-made garments, and specialized agriculture in medical and herbal plants. Chandra Prasad Dhakal showed interest in establishing Nepali companies in Sharjah, expressing admiration for the attractive investment environment in the emirate.
Both sides agreed to exchange information regarding participation in trade exhibitions. The Chamber informed the Nepali delegation of the Sharjah Expo 2026 agenda, while the President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce extended an invitation to the Sharjah Chamber to attend the annual general assembly meeting in Kathmandu next April.
In a complementary effort to strengthen economic relations with Sri Lanka, Al Owais welcomed a Sri Lankan diplomatic delegation led by Alexi Gunasekara, the Consul General of Sri Lanka, and Subhashini Silva, Head of the Mission at the Consulate, alongside executives from the Chamber.
Al Owais confirmed that the meeting reflects the existing strategic partnerships between the UAE and Sri Lanka, noting that the trade exchange has surpassed one billion dollars. He expressed the Chamber’s eagerness to explore future cooperation in renewable energy, food security, and logistics services. The Chamber also welcomed Sri Lankan companies to enhance their regional presence through international platforms provided by specialized exhibitions in Sharjah.
Alexi Gunasekara voiced his appreciation for the ongoing support from the Sharjah Chamber, affirming that the emirate serves as a crucial gateway for exporting Sri Lankan products to global markets. He emphasized the importance of deepening collaboration through an upcoming visit by the Sri Lankan Minister of Commerce and signing memorandums of understanding to enhance economic integration.
Additionally, both parties discussed preparations for economic events and high-level visits from Sri Lankan officials, which will include the Governor of the Central Bank and the Minister of Commerce. They also planned to organize bilateral business meetings involving the business community of both countries. The Sharjah Chamber expressed support for these initiatives by inviting the Sri Lankan delegation to upcoming exhibitions, such as “Steel Fab” and “Watches and Jewelry,” while the Consul General issued an official invitation for the Chamber to visit Sri Lanka to further cooperation and develop new partnerships in textiles, gemstones, and other commercial sectors.