WTO, Sharjah Chamber discuss organisation's role in Middle East

The visiting WTO delegates also held meetings with senior SCCI officials to discuss WTO's role and scope of activities in the emirate of Sharjah.

Hussein Al Mahmoudi, Director General, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said:

"We are pleased that the WTO decided to accept our invitation. This is a significant show of confidence and support in Sharjah's ability to influence economic growth locally, nationally and regionally. It is also a welcome addition to the Chamber's impressive lineup of activities that are intended to enhance the capabilities of its members. We look forward to more of such activities, from the WTO as well as from our global partners. This is truly a reflection of the positive results of our recent foreign visits."

The visit by the WTO representatives to Sharjah follows the recent visit by top SCCI officials to the WTO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, during which the Chamber offered to host workshops from these organizations at its new building and conference facilities.

The Workshop will be conducted by Hakim Ben Hammouda, Director of the WTO Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation, and Samer Seif El-Yazal, the Institute's Counselor. The goal of the workshop is to provide substantial information and expertise from the WTO to be eventually transferred to SCCI members. The trainers will also deliver a special presentation on the WTO covering the organization's history, profile, main functions and basic legal and economic principles.

SCCI has been implementing a variety of activities to enhance the operational and organizational performance of its members. It launched a comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility campaign to enhance best practices and eco-friendly strategies among its members in September 2008 and is heavily promoting greater use of IT across the private sector.

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry was formed via an Amiri Decree issued in 1970 by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. SCCI assists in the organization of commercial, industrial and professional initiatives, provides consultation on economic projects and policies, and conducts data gathering and statistical research as related to economic development. The Chamber protects and promotes the interests of its members and introduces them to regional and international corporate, government and special-interest groups. It also encourages greater participation of UAE Nationals in economic and commercial development.