Methods for cooperation and partnership between government departments discussed at Joint Roles Meeting

Representatives from government and non-government union institutions, including the Sharjah Nationalization and Residency Department, Sharjah Municipality, the Civil Defense Department, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Emirates Telecommunications Corporation (Etisalat), the Ministry of Labour, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, the Ministry of Economy, Sharjah Directorate of Town Planning and Survey.

And the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, discussed numerous topics related to the cooperation and partnership between government institutions, such as effective business organization and improving corporate culture.

Three main topics were tackled in the meeting; the first, entitled 'The real partnership between government institutions', discussed transparency and the application of government principles, direct and periodic coordination to favour investments, and opening communication channels to facilitate accessibility of data and information across the government institutions.

The second topic; entitled 'Enhancing the work environment', examined ways of facilitating work procedures, easing business activities, the importance of continued maintenance of the organization of government institutions, and mutual coordination and follow-up with the private sector.

The third topic, entitled 'Supporting the concept of competition', discussed topics related to the mechanism of select coordination, which enhances the concept of competition, the ability to efficiently provide investors with quality products and services, and the completion of the body of legislation and the development of procedures necessary to attract investors.

H.E.Mr Ali bin Salim Al Mahmoud, SEDD General Manager, started off the meeting by presenting a paper demonstrating the topics and goals to be discussed.

Speaking on the subject, H.E. Mr Ali bin Salim Al Mahmoud, Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) Manager, said:

"This initiative is in line with the Department's will to confront the numerous challenges facing government institutions. The significance of these challenges becomes clear when looking at the differences between specialties, on the one hand, and the importance of coordinated work between government institutions, on the other."

"As such, SEDD aims to support the strategic partnership between government institutions to achieve the best results, and to increase efficiency on a 'teamwork' basis through new joint business procedures that are in harmony with Sharjah's rapid economic growth," he added.

H.E. Mr Saeed bin Khadim, Manager of the Ministry of Economy - Sharjah Office, commented on the importance of the meeting saying, "The ministry is working together with other government departments and local institutions to achieve a strong economic base and stable growth for Sharjah. These ends will be achieved through teamwork, partnership with local institutions and the private sector, providing top-notch services, and adhering to the principles of transparency."

H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Mualla, Sharjah Municipality General Manager, noted that the municipality is willing to cooperate with other government institutions, and is committed to fulfilling its duties and enhancing its services.

He said, "At Sharjah Municipality, the interests of modern society intertwine. The municipality runs numerous service projects in the emirate every year, and plays an important role in the economic, social, environmental and health sectors. Our projects include the installation of sewage networks, the periodic inspection of food products in the markets, increasing the number of green spaces across Sharjah, supervising the leasing industry and setting up large-scale projects intended to move the emirate of Sharjah forward."

During his speech,H.E. Mr Hussein Mohammed Al Mahmoudi, General Manager of SCCI said, "Guided by the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, of creating the perfect ground to achieve progress and sustainable growth for a secure and stable future, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry is committed to fulfilling its duties, and has set up numerous initiatives aimed at supporting business in Sharjah, including the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Strategic Forum, the International Sustainable Growth Conference, the Sharjah International Commercial Arbitration Center, the Sharjah Technology Institute, and various joint ventures with regional and international organizations and institutions, all of which help us to adopt sustainable concepts and activities to overcome global challenges, and support development projects on all levels."

H.E Mr Abdul Aziz Omran Taryiam, General Manager, Northern Emirates, of Etisalat, said:

"Etisalat is proud to participate in this important meeting that aims to support the partnership between government institutions in the emirate of Sharjah by achieving transparency, appropriately applying laws and legislation, and maintaining coordination and cooperation between government institutions. This would lead to better work performance and support for competition standards, which would, in turn, result in greater client satisfaction. Our participation in the Joint Roles Meeting is an extension to Etisalat's important role in supporting initiatives and activities aimed at developing active government sectors in the UAE, in general, and in Sharjah in particular."

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority CEO, H.E Mr Marwan Jasim Al Sirkal said, "Our goal, as an investment authority, is to develop the emirate and create an investment-friendly environment that will increase Sharjah's economic well-being. For this goal to be achieved, government institutions must cooperate, and challenges must be overcome through the transparent exchange of information, and through proper planning. Meetings such as the Joint Roles Meeting help us work together to establish mutual goals and enhance services provided by government institutions that will help attract investors to Sharjah."

H.E Mr Rashid Obaid Al Khaiyal, Manager of the Labour Ministry- Sharjah Office, said of the meeting, "The performance of the government sector is the main factor that decides the rate at which the country, in general, and Sharjah, in particular will progress. Unified goals and the sheer will to move forward is what drives our department to work with other government institutions and build an integral system that will help us to achieve all the goals of the government sector."

H.E. Eng. Khalid bin Batti, Directorate of Town Planning and Survey Manager said, "Meetings such as this enrich the spirit of cooperation between government institutions, and contribute to the integration of goals and the execution of plans. SEDD's vision is based upon several pivotal outlines, which aim to preserve the emirate's identity, heritage and sustainable growth, while providing a good lifestyle and job opportunities for all Sharjah residents."

Sharjah Nationalization and Residency Department Manager, H.E. Colonel Dr Abdullah Ali Saeed bin Sahooh, said that, in light of the strong competition between GCC countries to attract assets and tourists, cooperation between government institutions is considered one of the critical elements for promoting tourism and commercial activities.

He noted that coordination between government institutions in regulating the entry and residency of foreigners in the emirate is very important, as it will either attract tourists to the emirate or push them away. "The Sharjah Nationalization and Residency Department is keen to support and work with public institutions, such as the Business Office, SCTDA, and SEDD, to create a solid foundation and good environment that promote investment and tourism at the same time."

H.E Colonel Wahid Isa Al Sirkal, General Manager of the Sharjah Civil Defense Department, noted the importance of the meeting, as he praised H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Vice Ruler of Sharjah and Head of the Sharjah Executive Council, for his support of government institutions, and said, "Our department is cooperating with all government institutions by providing training courses and seminars for their employees on such topics as the correct use of fire extinguishers, and easing paperwork by sending representatives from our department to several government institutions and organizing inspection campaign to check security and safety conditions."

Mr Ali Mohammed Al Shayer, Assistant Director of the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, said:

"The Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority has significantly updated its services to cater for the needs of the present and the future. The progress achieved in the electricity and natural gas sectors, which is endorsed by H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, is clear evidence of the progress achieved by the country in the urban and development fields."