In line with Sharjah’s development and strategic objectives to enhance economic diversification, the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) concluded its participation in three globally leading investment events which were held in Xiamen and Shanghai, China. The three exhibitions set the stage to discuss common investment and business interests between both parties, and presented Invest in Sharjah the opportunity to showcase Sharjah’s most recent economic developments to over 1,000 international experts, economists, and specialists in various industrial and technological sectors. 

The delegation from Invest in Sharjah comprised of Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah and Marwan Saleh Alichla, Investment Promotions Manager at Invest in Sharjah. The first event was the 23rd edition of ‘The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies’ (WAIPA), which was held from 7th September until 9th September 2018 in Xiamen, one of the biggest economic cities in China. 

The theme was, ‘A new era in Foreign Direct Investment,’ which synchronously aligns with Invest in Sharjah’s strategic plan to attract capital investment and strengthen trade with China. The aim of the participation is to promote a knowledge-based economy where both parties collaborate in various sectors including: trading, environment, logistics, health, technology, alternative energy sources, and numerous diversified sectors. 

During their visit, the delegation highlighted the strong trade ties between Sharjah and China and underscored the several successful projects that were implemented by both government and private sector, and how these projects directly facilitated numerous Chinese investments into the region. Moreover, Invest in Sharjah used the opportunity to present the existing economic factors, which have contributed to Sharjah’s most FDI growth, which witnessed an increase of 102% to AED 5.97 billion at the end of last year, in comparison to the figures of 2016.

Invest in Sharjah also showcased latest developments in the emirate’s economic infrastructure, which includes new investment facilities and specialized free zones that caters to the specific needs of Chinese investors and business owners, and how the emirate’s leading business-friendly and digitally integrated environment supported the emirate’s recent positive credit ratings and low risk exposure from which an anticipated growth of 2% can occur by 2021. 

Coinciding with the 23rd edition of WAIPA in Xiamen, Invest in Sharjah also participated in the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), through a panel discussion by Marwan Alichla. Alichla presented attendees on the latest economic and investment opportunities which Sharjah has developed, in a bid to further address the demands of the future for global investors in general, and for Chinese investors in specific. He also showcased technologies and services which Invest in Sharjah uses to facilitate high-level and mid-level investments, and how this practice is supported through an integrated network of streamlined services in collaboration with the emirate’s state entities, continuously delivering value and quality investment services.

The third event, The China Outbound Investment Summit, took place on 12th and 13th September 2018 in Shanghai. In a dialogue session which was titled, ‘Guiding your success,’ the CEO of Invest in Sharjah, Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, lead the topic about how positive investment results can be used to ensure sustainable, effective, and long-term investment. The discussion evoked key insights on the current economic and bilateral growth between Sharjah and China. 

Al Musharrkh also highlighted Invest in Sharjah’s effort in activating vital sectors to drive economic diversification and consolidate economic relationships between Sharjah and China. He showcased the office’s track record in promoting investment, strategies, and initiatives that has cemented Sharjah’s position as a premium destination for investment and encouraged more Chinese investors to set up business in the emirate.  

Commenting on Invest in Sharjah’s commitment to strengthening ties with one of biggest economies in the world, Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh said: “China is a major driving force of the world economy with countless businesses operating in all fields. Through our participation in these three events, we intend to cement the relationship between the two countries and build on new investment territories thanks to Sharjah’s continuous economic development. In a knowledge-based economy, we can learn and grow with each other. As China uses Sharjah’s economic infrastructure to bring to the region cutting-edge technologies and their success stories, we also work diligently to be a successful partner and provide high return on several new investments from the nation.” 

He added: “In promoting innovative sectors, we understand the requirements of the fourth industrial revolution and its associated industries such as: artificial intelligence, robotics and modern technologies. Our participation and return to both events for the second year aims at approaching new Chinese investors and facilitate their latest technologies across numerous sectors to cement Sharjah as a leading hub for smart technologies regionally and globally.” 

Established in 2016, Invest in Sharjah is the entity responsible for intensifying Sharjah Government’s efforts to promote the emirate’s business and investment opportunities in key international markets. The office, which operates under the Sharjah Government, is a fully integrated brand that communicates key insights and latest information on investment opportunities in the emirate, carried forward and consolidated by multiple state entities.