DCCI Calls Sharjah Chamber to Expand Trade and Investment in ICT and Jute Products; Signs MoU
In a bid to expand market opportunities for Bangladeshi businesses in Sharjah and boost bilateral trade and investment, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
The agreement was signed on Thursday, February 27, by DCCI President Taskin Ahmed and SCCI Chairman Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, representing their respective organizations.
Currently, a 29-member trade delegation from DCCI, led by President Taskin Ahmed, is on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
During the event, DCCI President Taskin Ahmed urged Sharjah-based investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh’s infrastructure sector, emphasizing that such investments would not only strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties but also attract other foreign investors to the country.
He further called upon Sharjah’s entrepreneurs to capitalize on Bangladesh’s vast young workforce, particularly by investing in the ICT sector. He added, "There is enormous potential for investment in the diversification of eco-friendly jute products by Sharjah-based entrepreneurs."
Referring to the financial sector, he mentioned that while a UAE-based bank is already operating in Bangladesh, further expansion of Sharjah Islamic Bank and other financial institutions in the country would enhance trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s specialized economic zones, he encouraged Sharjah’s entrepreneurs to invest in sectors such as leather and leather goods, electronics and home appliances, footwear, and food processing. He also invited Sharjah to collaborate in the logistics sector by sharing its expertise and technological capabilities to facilitate sectoral growth in Bangladesh.
"Bangladesh can serve as a strategic gateway for UAE-based companies seeking to expand exports across South and Southeast Asia," Taskin Ahmed stated.
SCCI Chairman Abdullah Sultan Al Owais acknowledged the steady growth of Bangladeshi exports, including ready-made garments and other products to North America, Europe, and the Middle East over the past few decades. He remarked, "There is substantial potential for Bangladesh to expand its exports to East and West African nations, with the UAE serving as a key gateway."
Addressing employment opportunities, he noted that over one million Bangladeshis are currently employed in various sectors in the UAE. However, to increase employment opportunities, he stressed the need for greater emphasis on skill development in human resources.
During the event, a B2B matchmaking session was organized between representatives of Sharjah Chamber member companies and the DCCI trade delegation, where entrepreneurs from both nations engaged in discussions on trade and investment prospects.
The event was attended by DCCI Senior Vice President Rajiv H. Chowdhury, Vice President Md. Salim Solaiman, and other members of the DCCI delegation.
