The Pakistan Business Council Sharjah has been established under the auspices of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This initiative is set to significantly contribute to organizing exhibitions and trade shows for Pakistani products, aiming to enhance trade relations between the UAE and Pakistan. With over 100 members, the Council offers Pakistani entrepreneurs a platform to advance their business interests nationwide, explore regional markets, and engage in collaborative ventures such as conferences, trade exhibitions, and exchange programs.
Fatema Khalifa Al Muqarrab, the director of the International Relations Department at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), emphasized the chamber's commitment to fostering connections between the private and public sectors through new initiatives, including the formation of business councils. She highlighted the launch of the Pakistan Business Council in Sharjah, noting the thriving Pakistani private sector in the emirate and the substantial investments made by the Pakistani community across various sectors.
Al Muqarrab further discussed the council's plans to organize exhibitions and trade missions on a bilateral basis, as shared in an interview with Khaleej Times during the council's inauguration. The Pakistan Business Council already has active chapters in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, dedicated to boosting bilateral trade.
Dr SM Tahir, the president of the Pakistan Business Council, acknowledged the robust presence of Pakistani businesses in Sharjah. He explained the rationale behind establishing the council in Sharjah, citing the city's prominence in the manufacturing sector and the presence of numerous Pakistani businessmen with manufacturing facilities. With over 100 members, predominantly business owners, the council aims to serve as a vital platform for the Pakistani community in Sharjah.
The launch of the council at the SCCI headquarters was presided over by Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, the chairman of the SCCI; Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, the ambassador of Pakistan in the UAE; and Waleed Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, the second vice chairman of the Sharjah Chamber, along with other key members. Notably, non-oil trade between the UAE and Pakistan surged to Dh25.7 billion in 2022, a 30% increase from Dh19.8 billion in 2021, complemented by the UAE's commitment to invest $10 billion in Pakistan's strategic economic sectors.
