Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
16 February 2026
In a pivotal moment that unites the spirituality of the place with aspirations for the future, Makkah Al-Mukarramah hosted the 41st General Assembly Meeting of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) on Monday, February 16, 2026, with participation from presidents and high-level representatives of federations and chambers of commerce from 24 Islamic countries, along with a distinguished group of decision-makers and business leaders, to explore avenues for enhancing economic integration between Islamic nations and unifying efforts to establish a cohesive commercial and investment framework that serves the interests of over two billion Muslims worldwide.
The meeting commenced with a speech from H.E. Mr. Abdullah Saleh Kamel, President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, who provided a comprehensive vision of ICCD’s journey, achievements, and future prospects, stating: “The most significant development in recent years has been ICCD’s transformation from a regional chamber into an international organization with specialized affiliated global bodies. This unprecedented evolution meets the aspirations of the visionary founders of the Islamic Chamber.”
In this context, H.E. Mr. M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President, Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), emphasized the necessity of enhancing mutual cooperation for a prosperous economic future, stating: “In times of such comprehensive transformations, cooperation is no longer optional; it becomes essential. By working together, we can bring prosperity and opportunities to millions of Muslims.”
In line with ICCD’s strategy to promote sustainable development across the Islamic world, the 41st General Assembly Meeting presented a comprehensive review of the significant achievements of the Islamic Chamber and its affiliated organizations during 2025, along with insights into the qualitative progress made in implementing its groundbreaking projects and initiatives aimed at empowering private sector organizations across the Islamic countries and supporting Muslim businesses in non-Islamic countries.
On the sidelines of the 41st General Assembly Meeting, a strategic meeting took place between H.E. Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, the Minister of Commerce of Saudi Arabia, and the heads of delegations from Islamic federations and chambers of commerce. They discussed ways to enhance trade and investment cooperation among member states, as well as reviewing mechanisms to activate partnerships between the public and private sectors, aiming to unify efforts in building an interconnected economic framework that serves the interests of Muslims globally.
The 41st General Assembly Meeting marked a pivotal milestone in consolidating a renewed strategic leadership, as the General Assembly Meeting approved to renew the confidence in H.E. Mr. Abdullah Saleh Kamel as the President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development for a new term extending from 2026 to 2029 by acclamation. This decision reflects a consensus on continuing his distinguished tenure characterized by wisdom and visionary insights, with the aim of enhancing ICCD’s position as an effective incubator for Islamic economic integration and a leader in shaping a prosperous economic future for the entire Islamic nation.
During the meeting, the board members for the new term (2026 – 2029) were elected as follows:
- The National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan
- Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Benin
- Burkina Faso Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Handicrafts
- Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture, Mines, and Handicrafts of Chad
- Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce
- Chamber of Commerce, Industries & Agriculture of the Republic of Guinea
- Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture
- Jordan Chamber of Commerce
- Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture of Mauritania
- Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture, Industry & Handicrafts of Niger
- Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture
- Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry
- Federation of Palestinian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture
- Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Federation of Saudi Chambers
- Sudanese Businessmen and Employers Federation
- Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye
- Federation of UAE Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Furthermore, demonstrating a commitment to broaden its activities and projects aiming at serving the private sector and Muslim entrepreneurs worldwide under a unified umbrella, the Meeting approved the joining of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development – Kenya as an affiliate member with ICCD.
This designation establishes it as the official representative arm for the interests of the Muslim business community in Kenya within ICCD’s integrated system that spans continents.
The joining agreement was officially signed, outlining the strengthening of cooperation between the two parties in enhancing trade and investment exchanges, organizing forums and workshops for capacity-building, empowering women economically, developing small and medium enterprises, and supporting entrepreneurship, along with joint media coverage of economic activities. This reinforces Africa’s presence in the Islamic economic integration framework and builds cross-continental bridges of collaboration that benefit the Muslim business community in Kenya and the broader Islamic world.
To emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts in driving economic development, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development signed a memorandum of understanding with Qatar Chamber, aiming at establishing a reliable global digital platform for Halal products and services. This platform will support exporting and supplying companies, enhance supply chain transparency, and enable small and medium enterprises to access regional and global markets. Additionally, it will facilitate the exchange of expertise and capacity-building in the Halal economy and integrate with certification and compliance bodies, solidifying Halal’s position as a strategic driver for economic diversification while boosting global consumer confidence in Halal products exported by Islamic countries.
During the meeting, Jordan Chamber of Commerce signed MoUs with the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ASK), and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, reflecting the significance of cooperation in building resilient economic bridges across the Muslim world, transforming shared values into tangible economic prosperity and integration.
In a significant move to enhance the African continent’s position as a strategic partner in the global Halal economy, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development organized an African Halal Roundtable on the sidelines of the 41st General Assembly Meeting. This event witnessed robust participation from government representatives, private sector leaders, and Halal standards experts from 11 African countries, under the theme “Building a Sustainable Pan-African Halal Ecosystem”. The roundtable discussed ways to develop the Halal industry as a strategic driver for economic growth through diversification, enhancing intra-trade, activating the role of the private sector, and constructing integrated value chains that contribute to widespread prosperity across the African continent.
The 41st General Assembly Meeting of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development reflects its steadfast dedication to strengthening collaboration among its members and building bridges of economic solidarity, driven by a visionary outlook aiming at achieving comprehensive and sustainable development that elevates Islamic business communities to the ranks of leading global economies.
For more information about ICCD, its projects, and upcoming initiatives, please visit the website: www.iccdglobal.com or contact the media department at: news@iccdglobal.com