The visit came as part of the committee's preparations to discuss the authority's policy in SCC next meeting, as part of its keenness to follow up on the tireless efforts to develop this vital sector.
The meeting, held on Thursday, was attended by a number of members of SCC Financial, Economic and Industrial Affairs Committee, headed by Rashid Abdullah bin Howaiden, along with committee members Fatima Khalifa Al Muqrab, Amer Mohammed Al Zarouni, Engineer Nabil bin Butti Al Muhairi, Abdullah Taresh Al Ketbi, Tariq Murad Mirza Al Balushi, and Mohammed Abdullah Al Balushi. The meeting was also held in the presence of Council member, Mohammed Ali bin Salim Al Ketbi; Secretary of the Committee, Saif bin Suwaif Al Ketbi; and media figure Dr Islam Al Shiwi.
Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi received the committee delegation at the headquarters of Sharjah International Airport Free Zone, in the presence of His Excellency Saud Salem Al Mazrouei, Director of Al Hamriyah Free Zone Authority and the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone Authority; and His Excellency Mohammed Mir Abdul Rahman, Director of Sharjah Ports and Customs.
During the meeting, Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi provided a comprehensive explanation of the Authority's roles and efforts to develop the ports, customs centres, border crossings and free zones affiliated with the Authority, in accordance with its competencies under Decree-Law No. 5 of 2020.
Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi explained that the Authority is committed to developing infrastructure and services to meet the needs of investors and customers, and ensure the promotion of economic activity in the emirate.
Al Qasimi stressed the importance of cooperation between SCC and the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, expressing his thanks for the efforts made by the Council and the Financial, Economic and Industrial Affairs Committee in developing institutional work, which contributes to raising the level of services provided and achieving positive returns on the economic performance of the Emirate of Sharjah.
During the meeting, the Authority reviewed its strategic plans aimed at organising maritime navigation operations, supporting the national economy by facilitating export and import procedures, applying best practices in the fields of combating smuggling and regulating the circulation of goods, in addition to developing an appropriate investment environment in its free zones.
The Authority also seeks to enhance the infrastructure and achieve integration between ports, customs centres and border crossings in the emirate, which contributes to improving operational efficiency and raising the level of readiness.
The meeting highlighted the Authority's efforts to develop its technological infrastructure and adopt artificial intelligence technologies in digital transformation projects to simplify procedures and facilitate access to services for customers.
The Authority confirmed that its plans focus on achieving sustainability of operations and continuous innovation in providing services, as Al Hamriyah Free Zone and Sharjah International Airport Free Zone are attracting foreign industrial and commercial investments, which contributes to supporting the national economy and diversifying sources of income.
Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi pointed out that the Authority seeks to employ its technical and human resources in the best way to develop its services, in addition to the great interest in enhancing the level of security and risk prevention.
The importance of raising awareness among the Authority's employees and improving their capabilities, and raising efficiency in dealing with customers and partners in line with the highest international standards was discussed.
The members of the Financial, Economic and Industrial Committee stressed the importance of supporting the Authority's role in developing the local economy.
In this context, Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi explained that the Authority is working continuously to study the economic conditions and challenges facing investors, and seeks to find solutions through periodic meetings with investors to listen to their opinions and overcome the obstacles they may face.
At the end of the meeting, the delegation of the Financial, Economic and Industrial Affairs Committee visited a number of existing projects in Sharjah Airport Free Zone, and expressed their thanks to Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi and the Authority's management for the fruitful cooperation, appreciating the efforts made by the Authority to enhance economic development in the emirate, and stressing the Council's readiness to continue supporting the Authority in achieving its economic goals, as this has a positive impact on the national economy and achieving sustainability and sustainable growth in various sectors.
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