The Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) hosted the Sharjah-Pakistan Business Roundtable in collaboration with the Pakistan Business Council in Sharjah (PBC Sharjah), bringing together over 200 investors and entrepreneurs. The event focused on exploring bilateral investment opportunities across sectors like manufacturing, trade, green-tech, and the creative industries. It also aimed to inform Pakistani businesses and investors about the various opportunities and support services available in Sharjah.
With bilateral trade between the UAE and Pakistan surpassing AED 25.7 billion, and the UAE being Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, the roundtable sought to further enhance these economic relations. The event was attended by prominent officials, including Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, and H.E. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah.
In his opening address, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi spoke about Sharjah’s commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships, emphasizing the strong connections the emirate has established with Pakistan. He noted that Sharjah’s advanced infrastructure, supportive legislation, and strategic location make it an ideal partner for businesses looking to innovate and expand. The presence of 1.8 million Pakistani residents in the UAE, contributing to every sector, was highlighted as a key strength of the partnership.
H.E Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh reaffirmed the deep trust between Sharjah and Pakistan, emphasizing the mutual respect and commitment to prosperity that has shaped their relationship over the years. He also highlighted the significant economic numbers that underscore this growing partnership.
The roundtable included a panel discussion featuring influential leaders from both Sharjah and Pakistan, such as Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of Sharjah Publishing City Freezone (SPC Free Zone), and Marwan Alichla, Director of Investment Promotion at Invest in Sharjah. Saif Al Suwaidi focused on the thriving creative industries, particularly publishing, noting that over 1,500 Pakistani companies are registered in SPC Free Zone, with 800 of them being publishers.
Marwan Alichla outlined Invest in Sharjah’s role in facilitating investments, highlighting the emirate’s diverse investment landscape, with progress in sectors like green tech, manufacturing, healthcare, and real estate. He also emphasized Sharjah’s role as a hub for international businesses looking to expand into the Middle East.
Amir Hassan, Founder and Chairman of Diyar Group, shared insights into the business opportunities in Sharjah for Pakistani investors. He praised Sharjah’s welcoming ecosystem, advanced infrastructure, and strategic location, noting the advantages of the emirate’s free zones and mainland opportunities for companies seeking to expand regionally and internationally.
Hiba Al Marzouqi, Head of the Business Councils and Common Committees Section at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), highlighted the role of the chamber in connecting investors with the right opportunities. She also emphasized the importance of business councils, especially the newly established Pakistani Business Council in Sharjah, in fostering growth and partnerships between the two nations.
This roundtable marks a significant step in strengthening economic ties between Sharjah and Pakistan, fostering cross-sector collaborations, and providing a platform for Pakistani businesses to tap into new investment opportunities in Sharjah.
