The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, SCCI, has recently announced the details of the number of new and renewed memberships that have been issued electronically during June 2020. The SCCI pointed out that the total number of memberships reached 5129, including 207 new and 4922 renewed memberships, achieving an increase of 8% compared to the same period in the last year with 4732 memberships. "This surge reflects the SCCI's highly efficient digital infrastructure and the quality and seamlessness of the smart and electronic services that helped the business sector to perform their businesses easily and conveniently. It also shows the sustainability of Sharjah's business environment growth and competitiveness in these challenging times related to COVID-19 pandemic," added the SCCI. In terms of the free zone (FZ) memberships, the SCCI explained that the said time recorded an increase of 23% after the total number of the FZ memberships rose from 168 in the last year to 208 this year, while the total number of certificates of origin issued from the head office and the branches in Khor Fakkan, Kalba, Al Dhaid, and amounted to 5564 certificates. Innovative solutions Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al-Awadi, SCCI director-general, underlined the SCCI's commitment to harnessing all the innovative technologies and solutions to achieve success, pointing to the professional manner and complete coordination between all departments of the SCCI while working remotely as part of the precautionary measures related to COVID-19 pandemic to help Sharjah and UAE counter this global crisis. "The SCCI has established itself as a strategic partner supportive of the business sector interests during COVID-19, thanks to the proactive approach in the digital transformation of the SCCI services by 100% to help its members and affiliate companies accomplish their business seamlessly, swiftly, and conveniently," Al-Awadi said. Al-Awadi added: "Everything is all set to bring our employees back to their offices in the various departments, after having completed the precautionary and preventive measures to maintain the health and safety of everyone, including the physical distancing instructions." He shed light on the directives of Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, member of the UAE Supreme Council and ruler of Sharjah, to bring 50% of the governmental employees back to offices, stressing the significance of this step to restore normal life in the Emirate of Sharjah. Al-Awadi commended all the decisions, initiatives, and stimulus packages launched to help revive the economic growth and to contain the repercussions of the pandemic. This would help maintain the strategic role of the Emirate of Sharjah in the global trade as an international commercial and investment hub connecting world markets. Full-fledged services The SCCI has availed a slew of full-fledged services for the business community through the Chamber's website and smart application. These services include the signature validity, individual sponsorship, minor permission, a certified true copy, guardian approval, and external transactions, in addition to the possibility of the electronic payment via credit cards or from the account of the registered company. Also, the SCCI has relocated the service "Burak Robot" for printing out the certificates of origin to the main entrance of the head office, in addition to the electronic linkage with Tas'heel Centers in Al Dhaid, Kalba, and Khor Fakkan to help complete the SCCI services and transactions from these centers. — SG
