The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has established the first Portuguese Business Council in the Emirate to set up business bodies representing friendly countries and their businessmen in an attempt to enhance joint cooperation and improve the volume of trade and investment exchange.
Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, chairman of the SCCI, Dr. Daniel Pereira Pontes, economic counselor at the Embassy of Portugal, and Lourdes Isabello, Chairperson of the Portuguese Labor Council, launched the new council in a ceremony held at the chamber’s headquarters.
Commenting on the latest move, Mr. Al Owais stated that the establishment of the Portuguese Business Council will pave the way for launching more councils of friendly countries in the Emirate of Sharjah, as part of the Business Councils Initiative.
Abdullah Sultan Al Owais Chairman – SCCI
“The SCCI takes great interest in supporting this initiative simply because business councils are considered one of the most important methods to strengthen our ties with our friendly countries and to support the mutual relationship between the economic sectors and business communities of those countries. The recently launched business council represents a significant step forward and a perfect opportunity for Portuguese businessmen to enhance networking with their counterparts in the Emirate of Sharjah and build up new relationships, as well as to exchange information, learn new experiences, and inaugurate new ventures, benefiting from the development plans adopted by our wise leadership.”
He further included that the new business council will further reinforce the close relations between Sharjah and Portugal. It will also help to improve trade ties and mutual investment between the business communities in the two countries.
Mr. Al Owais said, “We are expecting that these efforts will bear fruit within a short period, where the Portuguese business community can promote their businesses in the UAE, launch new economic initiatives, take part in exhibitions and conferences, exchange trade delegations, increase trade exchange between the two countries, and take advantage of the outstanding services provided by the Sharjah Chamber.”
“The council will not only contribute to developing and devoting economic cooperation but will also help enhance investment and trade exchange between the two countries, which last year reached about $362 million (300 million euros),” commented Dr. Pontes.
