Sharjah Chamber assesses state of domestic and regional switchgear sector

The SCCI delegation, which included Director General Hussein Mohammad Al Mahmoudi and Industrial Development Chief Jacob Youssef Al Qassir, was received by MES Director General Alaa Eddin Joghanna. The group exchanged several ideas on various industry topics such as the tight competition for locally-produced switchgear and electronic control devices in general and freedom of importation issues. Al Mahmoudi also inspected the MES production plant to gain first-hand perspectives on industry operations and practices.

"Sharjah's domestic switchgear sector has vast potential, especially as our emirate's regulatory and infrastructural environments are conducive to manufacturing businesses. Middle Eastern demand for electronic control devices will continue to grow due to rapid multi-sector development, so this visit allows the Chamber to gain valuable insights on how we can help our domestic switchgear producers enhance both their productivity and their market share,"

said Al Mahmoudi.

Joghanna commended the SCCI visit as it proved the genuine concern of the Chamber in assessing and improving industry conditions and strengthening relations between the public and private sectors. The MES official further expressed his intent to establish an institute for individuals interested in undergoing electrical control device training, which he promised to shoulder at his own expense. Al Mahmoudi in turn thanked Joghanna for the warm reception and committed to further cooperation and collaboration in this field.

The visit is one of several SCCI initiatives aimed at enhancing ties with members and stakeholders and advancing Sharjah's industrial and economic growth. The Chamber had previously toured National Plastic and Building Materials Industries to show support for the domestic plastics sector. The SCCI is scheduling similar activities to further expand its services to its members and the local private sector.

"Sharjah is emerging as a major force in the UAE's quest for sustainable progress. Our partnership with local industries allows us to accelerate Sharjah's economic growth and enhance its presence in national and regional commerce. We appreciate the cooperation extended to us by companies such as MES, and urge other businesses to continue supporting us in our cause," concluded Al Mahmoudi.

Established in 1992, Middle East Switchgear Industries Ltd. is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer and distributor of electrical switchgears. MES provides flame-and explosion-proof electrical switchgears for major European oil and gas companies, manufactured at its 8,500-sqm production facility in the Industrial Area of Sharjah. The company is currently diversifying into the Medium Voltage range of switchgear.

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an organisation tasked to organise Sharjah's economic activities and improve relations between the business sector and local government. The Chamber currently maintains four branches located in Khorfakkan, Kalba, Dibba Al Hisn and Al Dhaid. It also manages offices at Sharjah's model Industrial Area, and the Department of Economic Development in Sharjah City. SCCI welcomed 3,824 new members for the first half of 2008, representing a 16% growth over 2007. Its renewal rate also rose 19% for the same period, with 21,314 existing partners pledging continued support for the Chamber.