The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, SCCI, recently held, in cooperation with the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA), an expanded consultative meeting with the sectoral business groups to review and listen to their comments, proposals, and challenges facing them towards achieving the best results in supporting economic work in the Emirate of Sharjah.

The meeting comes as part of the SCCI’s commitment to the interests of private business sectors to develop its activities and preserve the earnings of its members and ensure adequate representation of the largest segment of those affiliated to these sectors.

Held at the SCCI headquarters, the meeting was attended by HE Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, the SCCI’s Chairman, HE Dr. Eng. Rashid Al Leem, Chairman, SEWA, SCCI’s Director-General, HE Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al-Awadi, in addition to the chairmen and members of the sectoral business groups working under the SCCI’s umbrella.

Strengthening Constant Communication

While welcoming the attendees, HE Abdullah Sultan Al Owais explained that the meeting is part of the joint keenness between SCCI and SEWA to enhance permanent communication with representatives of the private sector in the emirate to get acquainted with the reality of the various economic sectors, to pave the way for them to have more competition in the local, regional and global markets, and to exchange views on the most important challenges that may arise, as well as to explore all opportunities that enhance Sharjah’s economic competitiveness.

Al Owais shed light on the SCCI’s constant keenness to harness the efforts of all its departments and institutions to serve the interests of the sectoral business groups, follow up on their actions and recommendations, and support their innovative initiatives, considering the importance and role of these groups in economic development and the development of private business sectors.

Thanking and appreciating the rapid response and permanent cooperation of SEWA to listen directly to the demands of the private sector in the emirate, the SCCI’s Chairman underlined that this cooperation would help identify the challenges facing the private sector and learn about its aspirations, to develop plans and programs for better services to all sectors in the Emirate of Sharjah.

Developing Innovative Initiatives

HE Dr. Eng. Rashid Al Leem pointed to the harmony between government authorities and the private sector to provide the best services to the residents of the Emirate of Sharjah, pursuant to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

“SEWA is always keen to listen to the ideas and comments of partners and to know their needs to develop innovative initiatives. This is achieved by introducing them to SEWA’s initiatives and programs aimed at empowering the business environment and enhancing the role of the private sector,” added Al Leem.

He reiterated the importance of holding such periodic meetings with heads and representatives of the various economic sectors to learn about their demands and suggestions and to develop joint work plans ensuring the continuity of development and prosperity process in the Emirate of Sharjah.

Al Leem went on saying: “SEWA works as per a transparent and flexible policy and is keen on building strategic relationships with private sector institutions, especially the SME. At SEWA, we are committed to best practices and the highest standards of transparency in our relationship with our partners and clients, besides adopting a culture of creativity and innovation to develop services and raise their efficiency. We, in the meantime, hope that our partners will commit to these standards to build long-term cooperative relationships in a way that helps achieve our shared vision to enhance Sharjah’s position and competitiveness in all fields.”

The SEWA’s Chairman commended the SCCI’s role in supporting the business environment and boosting coordination between government agencies and the private sector.

Immediate Response

In an immediate response to the demands of real estate representatives to reconsider the value of insurance for the SEWA’s services for villas and homes, Dr. Eng. Rashid Al-Lim issued a decision to reduce the insurance value of these groups by 50% to encourage the sector to grow.

He pointed out that this reflects SEWA’s strategy to provide the best services and commit to its social responsibility, through which it provided several community initiatives including, the “Consult Me Before You Begin” initiative, energy efficiency initiatives, flexible payment methods including installment dues, water leakage detection, smart meters, an integrated team to receive suggestions and ideas from the public, an initiative to communicate directly with the chairman through the website, among other initiatives.

Strengthening Strategic Relationships

While heads and representatives of the sectoral business groups expressed their appreciation for the efforts of SCCI and SEWA to hold this meeting that helps enhance strategic relationships. They also stressed that SEWA provides many services and opens its doors to pioneering projects and innovative ideas, appreciating the SCCI vital role in achieving the interests of the business sector in Sharjah.

By supporting the sectoral business groups, the SCCI strives to enhance communication between the business sector, the Chamber and the public sector. This would help confront challenges and take advantage of available opportunities in forming an integrated structure catering to the needs and aspirations of economic sectors and supporting efforts to achieve sustainable development.