Sharjah And Germany Explore Healthcare Sector Opportunities

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) welcomed a German delegation, headed by the H.E. Burkhard Kieker , CEO, Berlin Tourisms& Kongress GmbH) at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce on the 26th of January. The delegation’s visit aimed at exploring opportunities for increased cooperation between the healthcare sectors in Sharjah and Germany.

The delegation, which included high level representatives from the spectrum of Germany’s healthcare sector, were welcomed by HE Marwan Al Sarkal, CEO of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and HE Dr Abdul Aziz Al Muhairi, Director of Sharjah Health Authority, Elie J. Armaly, Director of Business Development, Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, Head of Investment Promotion in Shurooq and a number of senior officials representing both parties.

The agenda commenced with welcome notes by HE Marwan Al Sarkal, and H.E. Burkhard Kieker. This was followed by a presentation by Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, Head of Investment Promotion in Shurooq, which gave an overview of the numerous investment opportunities offered by the emirate of Sharjah, as well as a presentation HE Dr Abdul Aziz Al Muhairi, Director of Sharjah Health Authority, which detailed the ambitious plans for what is set to become the largest healthcare hub in the UAE. The day’s proceedings concluded with presentation the German delegation.

Welcoming the delegation, HE Marwan Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq, remarked on the high regard in which the UAE holds Germany, especially with regards to its healthcare, stating, “Germany’s reputation for excellent healthcare barely needs mentioning – which is why it continues to be one of the top choices for UAE and GCC nationals looking for expert and specialised treatment.” He went on to emphasise that Germany has also played an important role in the UAE’s growing healthcare industry, remarking that its influence extends beyond attracting Emiratis to Germany through the many German hospitals and clinics that operate in the UAE, bringing those standards of excellence within reach for all of the country’s residents.

Commenting on the importance of high level exchanges such as this, the Shurooq CEO said, “In Sharjah in particular the importance of building and expanding our healthcare sector is a top priority and one that has led to some very ambitious plans, which offer great opportunities for us to collaborate with top medical institutions and health authorities from across the world.”

HE Burkhard Kieker, said “Today`s gathering was a remarkable opportunity to exchange views and share knowledge. I am impressed with Sharjah’s overall health structure. It is impressive to see how well the emirate of Sharjah cares for its people and how seriously it takes health matters.” He added, “Germany is known for being a pioneer in the health care industry and one of the world’s top health care destinations. We are working with Shurooq to find ways to collaborate to the mutual benefit of both parties. It is an important step and we are looking forward to building on today's meetings.”

Shurooq was established in 2009 with the aim of achieving social, cultural, environmental and economic development on the basis of Sharjah's distinct Arab and Islamic identity, and to encourage investment by adopting the best international standards in providing quality services that help attract investors from the region and the world.

Shurooq's key mission is to provide facilities and incentives to help overcome obstacles facing investment activities in the emirate, evaluate investment-related infrastructure projects, and lay down the necessary plans to complete such projects.

In recognition of its overall accomplishments, Shurooq was named The Banking Awards 2013 – and 2014 FDI Agency of the Year in the MENA region, in the European’s Global Banking and Finance Awards.

Emirate:  Sharjah

Date: Jan 28, 2015

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