The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, SCCI, has successfully managed to enhance its role as a representative and voice of the business community and the private sector to overcome the challenges they face, through the coordination with the Sharjah Executive Council, the relevant government agencies, and the chamber’s strategic partners from the private sector, in light of the global changes and developments due to the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

This is in addition to the vital role of the SCCI’s sectoral business groups in communicating with the various economic sectors to identify their needs and raise them to the concerned departments to come up with effective initiatives and incentives helping them continue their business.

The recently approved stimulus package by the Sharjah government to support the government and private sectors, business sectors and businessmen comprises seven initiatives from the SCCI.

This includes exempting tenants of the buildings (1 and 2) of the SCCI of rental for a period of 3 months as of 1/4/2020, exempting tenants of Expo Centre Sharjah’s building from rental for a period of 3 months, as of 1/4/2020, a 30 percent discount to members of the SCCI to participate in Expo Sharjah exhibitions for the year 2020/2021, 50-per cent discount for shops, commercial centers and central markets participating in the marketing campaigns organized by the SCCI for the year 2020, exempting the participants in the permanent national industries exhibition from rental fees for a period of 3 months, as of 1/4/2020, exempting participating stores from the Central and Eastern Regions (Al Dhaid – Kalba – Khorfakkan – Dibba) from participation fees in the marketing campaigns organized by the SCCI for the year 2020, and exempting employees of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in 101 Trade Centre from the rental fees until the end of 2020.

Fruitful Movement

His Excellency Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al-Awadi, SCCI’s Director-General, said: “The SCCI has communicated the needs and demands of the emirate’s business community to the relevant bodies, the matter which led to a stimulus package for the benefit of the public interest and the business community in Sharjah, thanks to the rapid response of Sharjah government under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and the relentless follow up of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.”

This clearly reflects the solidness of the Sharjah economy and its ability to find solutions ensuring the business continuity and readiness to handle all circumstances.

Commending the cooperation of the government agencies to maintain the business continuity and support the private, Al-Awadi pointed out that the SCCI’s initiatives in this critical stage are a clear message to the business community that you’re not alone and that the Emirate of Sharjah is supporting you to face all challenges and changes to your business environment, stressing the SCCI’s commitment to continuing its supportive role.

Supporting the Private Sector

A number of the heads of sectoral business groups and businessmen and SCCI members underlined that the stimulus package announced by the Sharjah Executive Council is an important message that all the support and priority are given to the commercial and industrial companies, stressing that such initiatives will have a positive impact on the different business sectors and they will enhance the confidence of investors and companies.

Thanking the wise leadership for the stimulus package which underlines the support of Sharjah government to the private sector in the current circumstances, Saeed Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Representative Committee of the Real Estate Sector Business Group praised SCCI’s efforts in conveying the demands of the private sector to government bodies to come up with initiatives helping them overcome this stage.

He noted that the Representative Committee of the Real Estate Sector Business Group contacted the property owners urging them to adopt the same approach of the Sharjah government in terms of delaying the rent payments for those who were affected by the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), especially for commercial properties.

An Important Initiative

Lalu Samuel, Chairman of the Representative Committee of the Industry Sector, said: “The stimulus package announced by the Sharjah government is one of the most important initiatives in support of the business community in light of these exceptional circumstances. It also reflects the wise approach in giving priority to supporting various business sectors and the wisdom in dealing with the challenges facing the private sector.”

He underlined that such incentives would give a significant morale boost to the business community and reassure investors on their investments in light of the current conditions, highlighting the SCCI’s essential role in streamlining business continuity through providing full support to its affiliate members.

Crisis Management is More Difficult Than the Crisis Itself

Mamdouh Al-Hakim, Chairman of the Representative Committee of the Hotel Industry Working Group, said: “The crisis management is more difficult than the crisis itself. This stimulus package will undoubtedly have a positive role in motivating the private sector companies to confront this crisis.”

“At the Hotel Industry Working Group, we are in constant contact with the concerned department to submit proposals and solutions to all the challenges facing the hotel sector,” he underlined.

Activating E-Services

Khaled Omar Mohammed Batarfi, Chairman of the representative committee of the Car Trade Sector Business Group, said: “Our priority is the health and safety of our community, our customers, and our team,” urging the business community to adopt preventive measures by activating electronic services to cater to the needs of customers.

He valued the SCCI’s efforts in supporting the business community through the use of its smart platforms for the health and safety of everyone.

Preventive Measures

Majid Mahjoub, CEO of Delta Food Industries, extended his thanks and appreciation for the efforts exerted by the SCCI in the current circumstances, stressing his company’s commitment to the preventive measures to fight against COVID-19.

He added: “We have taken many precautionary measures, such as sterilizing all offices as well as the production and the storage areas. We also conduct temperature checks for employees and customers. This is in addition to organizing awareness workshops on all preventive measures for workers and starting the partially remote work system, as well as implementing the two-shift work system rather than the straight shift system.”