The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reiterated its commitment to organizing trade missions to Ethiopia, aimed at bolstering economic collaboration between the business communities and enhancing commercial and investment relations between the two nations. This initiative is part of the chamber’s broader efforts to expand its trade missions throughout Africa.
This announcement came during a meeting between Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Akililu Kibetir Erena, Consul General of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The meeting was attended by several members of the chamber’s board, along with Abdulaziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director General for Communications and Business, Dr. Fatima Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Director of International Relations, and various officials from both sides.
During the discussions, both parties explored strategies to enhance economic partnerships between Sharjah and Ethiopia. They emphasized the necessity of opening new avenues for investment and trade, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure. The importance of joint collaboration in organizing economic events, including exhibitions and conferences that connect business communities from both countries, was also addressed. This initiative aims to foster the exchange of expertise and knowledge while supporting the growth of joint investments, especially in light of the memorandum of understanding signed between the Sharjah Chamber and the Ethiopian Investment Authority, which provides a strategic framework for strengthening economic and investment cooperation.
Abdullah Al Owais praised the robust economic ties between the UAE and Ethiopia, which have shown remarkable development. He noted that the non-oil trade volume between the UAE and Ethiopia has surged by over 180% in recent years, surpassing 34 billion dirhams from 2013 to 2022. He indicated that these positive outcomes serve as motivation for further collaborative efforts in the economic and commercial spheres, maximizing the benefits of diverse investment opportunities available to both parties.
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce is keen to enhance economic partnerships with East African nations, particularly highlighting Ethiopia’s promising potential and significant investment opportunities across various vital sectors. This positioning makes Ethiopia an ideal destination for the business community and investors from Sharjah and the UAE as a whole. The chamber will continue to work towards creating a stimulating environment to encourage mutual investment by supporting the organization of trade missions and hosting economic events and forums.