Key Facts
- Date
- August 4, 2026
- SCCI Chairman
- Abdallah Sultan Al Owais
- Dominican Republic Ambassador
- Renso Herrera Franco
- Indian Consul General
- Satish Kumar Sivan
- Bilateral trade target (UAE-India)
- US$100 billion
- Growth in UAE non-oil exports to India
- 75.2%
Background
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) held separate meetings on August 4, 2026, to discuss strengthening economic and trade cooperation with the Dominican Republic and India. The meetings were part of SCCI's broader efforts to expand its international partnership network and engage with high-potential global markets.
SCCI Chairman Abdallah Sultan Al Owais received Renso Herrera Franco, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the UAE, and later Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, who was completing his diplomatic tenure. The meetings were attended by senior SCCI officials and representatives from both countries.
Current Situation
During the meeting with the Dominican ambassador, discussions focused on boosting bilateral trade, encouraging strategic partnerships, and coordinating reciprocal trade and investment delegation visits. Al Owais described the Dominican Republic as a strategic gateway to Latin American and Caribbean markets, while highlighting Sharjah's competitive business environment with advanced infrastructure and investor-friendly policies.
The Dominican delegation expressed keen interest in strengthening cooperation with SCCI and enhancing ties between SCCI and Dominican chambers of commerce. Both sides agreed to strengthen coordination between SCCI and the Dominican Embassy in the UAE to stimulate private sector investment and explore organizing joint business forums and investment events.
In the separate meeting with the Indian Consul General, discussions centered on deepening the economic partnership between Sharjah and India, scaling bilateral trade, and working closely with the Indian Business and Professional Council. Al Owais praised the Consul General's efforts in advancing economic cooperation and facilitating new business opportunities.
| Entity | Representative | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry | Abdallah Sultan Al Owais | Chairman |
| Dominican Republic | Renso Herrera Franco | Ambassador to UAE |
| India | Satish Kumar Sivan | Consul General in Dubai and Northern Emirates |
| Indian Business and Professional Council | Lalu Samuel | Chairman |
Impacts
The meetings are expected to facilitate direct business-to-business engagement between companies in Sharjah and the Dominican Republic, potentially opening new investment opportunities in sectors with strong competitive potential. For India, the discussions reinforce Sharjah's position as an attractive destination for Indian investors, with SCCI committing to provide comprehensive support and business facilitation.
Al Owais highlighted the shared ambition to increase bilateral trade between the UAE and India to US$100 billion. He also noted the 75.2% growth in the UAE's non-oil exports to India, underscoring India's position as the leading global destination for UAE non-oil exports. These efforts could further consolidate the UAE-India strategic partnership and boost economic growth in both regions.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the proposed reciprocal trade and investment delegation visits materialize, they could lead to stronger institutional collaboration and new business partnerships between Sharjah and the Dominican Republic. Joint business forums and investment events may showcase the Dominican Republic's investment landscape to Sharjah's business community, potentially attracting new investments.
For India, continued cooperation with the Indian Business and Professional Council could unlock new avenues for collaboration and support the shared goal of reaching US$100 billion in bilateral trade. However, the actual outcomes depend on the implementation of these discussions and the willingness of businesses on both sides to engage.
The meetings concluded with Al Owais presenting a commemorative shield to the Indian Consul General in recognition of his efforts. Future diplomatic and business engagements may build on these foundations, but specific outcomes remain to be seen.
Source: indiagazette.com
