In a bid to enhance economic and trade relations with Belgium, the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah organized an official dinner at The Chedi Al Bait Hotel. The event saw the participation of Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, the Chairman of DGR, and Antoine Delcourt, the Belgian Ambassador to the UAE, along with diplomats, investors, and high-ranking officials from both regions.
This gathering underscored Sharjah’s strategic objective to strengthen its economic connections with the European Union, aimed at discovering fresh opportunities for collaboration and investment. It served as an important platform for sharing expertise and insights while discussing actionable steps to boost economic cooperation in line with the emirate’s overarching development goals.
The occasion included a detailed presentation showcasing the primary economic sectors of Sharjah and the appealing prospects available for European investors, especially in areas like technology, logistics, healthcare, education, and culture. Participants were also informed about the emirate’s business environment and the advantages it presents to international players.
Among the notable attendees were Joren Selleslaghs, Political Affairs Advisor and Deputy Head of the Belgian Diplomatic Mission; Albert Feytons, Science and Technology Commissioner for Flanders; Laurence Heyblom, Trade Commissioner for Brussels; and Edith Mayeux, Trade Commissioner for the Walloon region. They were accompanied by prominent Sharjah officials such as Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park); Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of the Sharjah FDI Office; Khaled Al Huraimel, CEO of BEEAH Group; and Omar Al Mulla, CEO of Sharjah Asset Management.
Representatives from several major Belgian companies involved in infrastructure, energy, finance, technology, industry, and services were also present, facilitating direct dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the exploration of future collaboration opportunities.
Strengthening the Belgium Partnership
Sheikh Fahim remarked on the significance of the meeting, indicating that it represents a crucial step in the evolving partnership between Sharjah and Belgium. He emphasized the emirate’s dedication to enhancing both economic and cultural links with EU member states, highlighting that the EU ranks as the UAE’s second-largest trading partner.
The Chairman stated: “Current economic indicators reflect the resilience and profound nature of the relationship between the UAE and the European Union, with non-oil trade showing a consistent increase. Within this context, Belgium plays a vital role, especially in re-export and logistical integration, and is the UAE’s leading partner in re-exports to EU markets, which highlights the strategic connectivity of our ports.”
He further mentioned: “Our bilateral economic relationship with Belgium is growing stronger, characterized by significant increases in non-oil trade. The UAE represents a considerable part of Belgium’s trade with the Arab world, based on a foundation of trust that facilitates partnerships in innovation, technology, and infrastructure. We believe that today’s meeting will inspire new opportunities, encouraging Belgian investors to consider the unique benefits Sharjah provides as a regional gateway.”
This gathering is part of a series of previous meetings held between the DGR and their Belgian counterparts, both within the UAE and in Brussels, reflecting Sharjah’s long-term aim to cultivate lasting partnerships with European investors and establish itself as a premier destination for high-value investments in the region.
A Staff Reporter
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