Shurooq strengthens business ties with China

Sharjah (WAM): A Chinese Business delegation has recently visited the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) to explore ways to increase investment and business opportunities in the emirate. The delegation, which was received by from Shurooq by Elie Armaly, Director of Business Development and Yonghui MA, Investment Promotion Executive, included Xiaosong Yang, Executive Vice Chairman of Liaoning Province Federation of Industry and Commerce, De Wei, Executive Vice President of the International Chamber of Commerce Liaoning Province Federation of Industry and Commerce, Zheran Wang, Executive Vice President of the International Chamber of Commerce Liaoning Province Federation of Industry and Commerce. Speaking about the visit Elie Armaly said: "China is one of our most important trade and investment partners and bilateral trade between China and Sharjah has grown rapidly in recent years. In the first half of 2013, combined imports and exports, between Sharjah and China grew by more than 14 per cent to Dh78.6 billion, after registering close to 40 per cent year-on-year growth over 2012, Bilateral trade between China and Sharjah jumped more than 18 per cent, up from Dh3.3 billion in 2010 to more than Dh3.9 billion in 2012. We were delighted with the opportunity to welcome our Chinese business counterparts and showcase Sharjah s considerable investment offering." During the visit Armaly delivered a presentation giving an overview of the investment opportunities in Sharjah, with a specific focus on the four investment sector that have been identified as key areas of potential growth, namely leisure and tourism, healthcare, transport and logistics, and environmental services. Elie Armaly stressed that the visit was an excellent opportunity to network with key players in the Chinese business community and explore new collaborations, joint ventures, and increased cooperation. The presentation and visit the Authority s headquarters were followed by a tour of Shurooq s landmark Heart of Sharjah project, during which the delegation expressed their admiration for the scope and depth of the project and commended Shurooq on its efforts to create and facilitate exceptional investment opportunities in Sharjah. – Emirates News Agency, WAM