Sharjah: The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) recently hosted a high-level economic delegation from Vietnam at its headquarters, where discussions centered on enhancing economic cooperation and creating new investment opportunities for the business communities of both nations.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting particularly focused on enabling Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to penetrate Sharjah's competitive market and expand their operations across the Middle East. Dr. Fatima Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Director of the International Relations Department at SCCI, led the discussions, while Nguyen Hoang Phuong, Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Economic Development Research and Chairman of IMCE Global, headed the Vietnamese delegation.
Dr. Al Muqarrab presented Sharjah's favorable investment climate, showcasing the comprehensive services offered by the Chamber and its affiliates, such as the Sharjah Exports Development Center (SEDC). She emphasized SCCI's pivotal role in supporting economic activities and facilitating business relations for foreign companies, highlighting Sharjah's strategic location and advanced free zone infrastructure.
She also mentioned that the visit from IMCE Global's specialist delegation, focused on SMEs, is a key step in strengthening Sharjah-Vietnam economic ties under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and Vietnam reached $6.1 billion in the first half of the previous year, with a 58.4% increase in UAE non-oil exports to Vietnam, potentially contributing $8 billion to the UAE's economy by 2032.
Nguyen Hoang Phuong commended the Sharjah Chamber for its investor-friendly environment and robust infrastructure, which supports global market expansion. He highlighted Sharjah's logistical strengths and efficient business setup processes, positioning it as an ideal gateway for Vietnamese companies aiming to expand their regional presence.
The meeting concluded with discussions on potential joint initiatives, such as specialized workshops and trade missions, to showcase investment opportunities in key sectors for both countries. Additionally, there was a focus on boosting direct coordination between entrepreneurs in Sharjah and Vietnam to elevate bilateral economic relations sustainably.