May 29th, 2009: The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Friends Of Cancer Patients (FOCP) to enhance their joint cooperation and promote corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes in the government and private sectors. The signing ceremony was attended by H.E. Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Founding Member of FOCP's Board of Trustees, who signed the MoU with H.E. Ahmad Mohammad Al Midfaa, Chairman of SCCI. Also in attendance were H.E. Hussain Mohammed Al Mahmoudi, Director General of SCCI, and Ameera Abdelrahim Binkaram, President of FOCP's Board of Trustees.

The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation on awareness programmes on cancer prevention, treatments and cures, as well as the dangers of cancer and how to prevent it by implementing environmental practices. Accordingly, seminars and symposia will be organized to raise awareness among employees of Sharjah's companies. Both parties will invite all private sector organizations to participate in extending financial and medical support and aid to FOCP's patients and their families. An effort will also be made to encourage research and development on issues related to cancer patients' support, and a survey will be conducted to determine the number of cancer patients in the UAE, particularly Sharjah, and to help identify the requirements and needs of these patients.

Commenting on the occasion, Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qassimi said: "We are committed to extending the necessary practical and financial support to cancer patients, and to contributing to awareness programmes on cancer prevention and cures. Therefore, we are in need of all types of support from any party if we are to continue expanding our efforts. The efforts and benevolence of faithful volunteers have made it possible for us to continue and to expand our activities every year". Ahmad Mohammad Al Midfaa said: "The MoU signed with FOCP forms part of our commitment to supporting the good deeds of FOCP, as part of our CSR programme, which aims to protect the future of the emirate and play a vital role in its social and economic development". FOCP will be present at all exhibitions held by Expo Sharjah in order to spread awareness of cancer prevention, and how to avoid bad habits that may cause the disease.