Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry promotes intensified IT integration in private sector

SCCI explained that Sharjah has been investing heavily in the development of eServices, and recognizes IT as an essential component for nurturing the abilities of the private sector that is a basic element for sustainable domestic development. The Chamber added that IT is essential for Sharjah's movement towards a knowledge-based economy, and also confirmed the importance of this sector for national growth.

Hussein Al Mahmoudi, Director General, SCCI, said:

"The adoption of information and communications technology (ICT) is as essential to our society as progressive organizational changes within the private and public sectors. The Chamber supports initiatives to provide technological skills that will eventually prove useful in the private sector in particular, beyond essential administrative capabilities. This strategy is necessary to ensure that Sharjah meets the current and future challenges posed by this rapidly changing world."

The SCCI also emphasized the rise in mega budgets dedicated to ICT across various fields, thus making IT the fastest growing segment in the domestic business community's shift towards a digital society. Al Mahmoudi confirmed that IT has assumed a vital role in improving the levels of business and administrative activities ranging from human resources management and transaction processing to standard setting and strategic planning.

SCCI has focused on many eServices related initiatives that have been launched by some government departments and private institutions in Sharjah to develop the business community.

The aim of these pioneering initiatives is to provide the business community and the private sector with all electronic services, focusing on facilitating online company work transactions and to highlight the important role played by Sharjah, a leading economic center in the region. In addition, these initiatives seek to improve and enhance daily operations through the optimum utilization of technology and enabling users to carry out all transactions electronically.

"As we steadily transform into a digital society, it is crucial that we continue to adopt best practices and technologies based on international standards and high evaluation and quality assurance mechanisms. This will enable us to meet the complex and changing needs of both the local and global labour markets. Although Sharjah has already progressed significantly in this regard, the Chamber will continue to actively urge government and private organizations to engage in more productive dialogue and cooperation, particularly in the adoption of high-level technology standards across their respective operations," concluded Al Mahmoudi.