Ankara Republic of Turkey
28 – 29 June 2026
The Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) convened its 40th Board of Directors Meeting on 28th June 2026 at the headquarters of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) in Ankara, bringing together business leaders and high-level representatives from 19 countries, to review ICCD’s strategic priorities and discuss key initiatives aiming at advancing economic cooperation, trade, investment, and private sector development across the Islamic world.
In a testament to solidarity and strategic cooperation, a high-level gala dinner was held on the sidelines of ICCD’s 40th Board of Directors Meeting. Honored by the presence of H.E. Mr. Cevdet Yılmaz, Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, the evening convened distinguished policymakers and business leaders from across the Islamic world, providing a premier platform to forge robust partnerships, drive constructive dialogue, and align strategic visions for deeper economic integration across global Islamic markets.
In his remarks, H.E. Mr. Abdullah Saleh Kamel, President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, emphasized the importance of accelerating private sector-led growth, stating: “Today, we gather as representatives of our premier national institutions, which are dedicated to empowering the private sector across our respective countries. Our paramount responsibility is to safeguard these institutions, nurture their development, and further empower them. A key pathway to this progress is looking at proven models of success and emulating their achievements.”
Additionally, H.E. Mr. Cevdet Yılmaz, Vice President of Republic of Türkiye, highlighted the significance of ICCD’s Board of Director Meeting in fostering economic integration across the Islamic countries, stating: “Today’s meeting is of great significance in defining our shared objectives for strengthening economic and commercial cooperation among OIC member countries. I sincerely hope that the decisions adopted during this meeting will yield fruitful outcomes.”
Moreover, H.E. Mr. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President of Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) and ICCD Vice President, underscored ICCD’s critical role as the largest representative of the private sector in the Islamic world in fostering economic integration across the Islamic world and beyond, adding “We should combine the financial resources of the Islamic countries with the production expertise and entrepreneurial strength of the Turkish private sector. The Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development is undoubtedly the largest, strongest and most effective common platform through which we can achieve this objective.”
During the evening, H.E. Mr. Abdullah Saleh Kamel, President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), presented commemorative shields in recognition of the valuable contributions and support extended to ICCD’s mission and journey. The honors were awarded to H.E. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) and ICCD Vice President, and H.E. Cevdet Yılmaz, Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, in appreciation of their outstanding role in advancing economic cooperation and supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development and regional prosperity.
Additionally, H.E. Mr. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), and ICCD Vice President, presented a commemorative shield to H.E. Mr. Abdullah Saleh Kamel, President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), in appreciation of ICCD’s strenuous efforts to foster private sector development and enhance economic integration across the Muslim business communities.
As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional performance and governance, the Board discussed the implementation progress of ongoing strategic initiatives and projects designed to strengthen ICCD’s role as a leading organization for economic cooperation across the Muslim business community globally.
Concluding the Board of Directors elections for the new term, members finalized ICCD’s internal electoral process by renewing confidence in the Vice Presidents for the 2026–2029 term, namely:
- H.E. Mr. Mustafa Rifat Hisarciklioglu, Republic of Türkiye.
- H.E. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Thani, State of Qatar.
- H.E. Mr. Ahmed El Wakil, Arab Republic of Egypt.
The Board also renewed its confidence in the Executive Committee for the term (2026 – 2029), as follows:
- AZERBAIJAN
- CHAD
- EGYPT
- PAKISTAN
- QATAR
- SAUDI ARABIA
- TÜRKIYE
Moreover, the Meeting elected the Financial Committee Members, namely:
- EGYPT
- IRAN
- JORDAN
- KUWAIT
- NIGERIA
- PAKISTAN
- SAUDI ARABIA
- TÜRKIYE
- UAE
This step reflected ICCD’s continued commitment to transparency, institutional excellence, and effective governance, while ensuring broad representation of its members and supporting ICCD’s strategic vision for the coming term.
In a significant milestone toward enhancing regional trade connectivity and economic integration, ICCD Board of Directors reviewed recent developments related to the Management and Consultancy Company for Border Crossings Limited Liability Company (BOMACO), a joint investment company established by ICCD, represented by ICCD Holding Company, in partnership with the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) and its affiliate, the Customs and Tourism Enterprises Company (GTI).
The meeting addressed the Memorandum of Understanding signed on the 7th May, 2026 between BOMACO and the Syrian Government for the establishment and management of a free trade zone, an industrial zone, and an inland dry customs port in Idlib Governorate, Syria. The project aims to facilitate cross-border trade, attract investment, support economic development efforts, and strengthen regional economic integration.
Furthermore, the meeting discussed the progress achieved under the B57+ Business Leaders Network, a flagship initiative launched by ICCD to institutionalize business-to-government dialogue, facilitate trade and investment opportunities, and amplify the voice of the private sector across the Islamic world and beyond. Members reviewed recent achievements of the initiative and expressed support for its continued expansion and outreach.
As part of the preparations for the Islamic Chamber’s Golden Jubilee in 2027, commemorating 50 years since its establishment, the meeting officially announced that the Golden Jubilee celebration will take place in Istanbul next year. The landmark event will provide a distinguished platform to celebrate five decades of the Islamic Chamber’s achievements in promoting economic cooperation, supporting private sector development, and fostering institutional collaboration across the Islamic world.
Discussions focused on proposed activities, commemorative initiatives, and strategic opportunities to showcase ICCD’s achievements, legacy, and impact on advancing sustainable economic growth and private sector empowerment both within the Islamic world and globally.
On the sidelines of the 40th Board of Directors Meeting, ICCD organized a series of interactive side events, including roundtable, panel discussions, and strategic presentations, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, experts, entrepreneurs, and representatives of leading institutions worldwide.
The program addressed a wide range of strategic topics, including women and youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, capacity building, sustainable development, food security and investment facilitation, while also showcasing successful institutional experiences and best practices from across the Muslim business community.
The side events further featured key contributions from ICCD affiliated organizations and strategic partners, including the Islamic Chamber Training Academy (ICTA) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Arbitration Centre (OIC-AC), along with the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB), highlighting their journey, initiatives and ongoing efforts to strengthen private sector development, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, enhance institutional capacities, and support sustainable economic growth worldwide.
The meeting also witnessed the signing of several strategic agreements aimed at expanding trade, investment, and building strategic partnerships across the Islamic world.
In this regard, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Baratou Guinée, on the sidelines of the 40th Meeting of ICCD’s Board of Directors, aiming to enhance intra-African and OIC trade, support African products in accessing new markets, and promote knowledge exchange and investment cooperation to advance sustainable economic growth.
Furthermore, the Islamic Chamber Halal Services (ICHS) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Niger signed a strategic partnership agreement to enhance cooperation in the Halal economy, facilitate access to certification and capacity-building services, and create new opportunities for trade, investment, and market expansion for Nigerien businesses.
In a significant step to advance capacity building, the Islamic Chamber Training Academy (ICTA) and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) signed a landmark MoU, aiming at empowering local workforces, elevating business standards, and driving robust private sector growth across the Islamic world.
Seeking to further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and private sector collaboration, the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) and the Federation of Saudi Chambers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a framework for cooperation in key areas such as sectoral platforms, policy and research initiatives, and joint chamber forum, with the aim of enhancing commercial ties and supporting private sector-led economic growth in both countries.
The 40th Board of Directors Meeting reaffirmed ICCD’s continued commitment to fostering economic integration, strengthening the role of the private sector, fostering strategic partnerships, and unlocking new opportunities for trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth across the Islamic world and beyond.
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