Successful conclusion of the 12th International Economic Summit: "Russia - Islamic World: Kazan Summit 2021"
The Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development is pleased to announce the success of the 12th International Economic Summit “Russia – Islamic World: Kazan Summit 2021”, which was held from 28-30 July, organized by the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan and Tatarstan Investment Development Agency (TIDA), with the support of the Russian Federal Assembly, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
The Islamic Chamber was honored to be a special and media partner in this year’s Kazan Summit, which included more than 90 business sessions, and the signing of more than 20 agreements between representatives of countries, organizations and companies within the summit, with the participation of 4,500 visitors from all over the world. The Kazan Summit tackled several main topics such as: investment, halal industry, entrepreneurship, export development, youth diplomacy, creative industries, medicine, and sports.
During the conference, ICCD has also signed a strategic partnership agreement with Tatarstan Investment Development Agency, aiming to enhance the cooperation between the two entities in organizing and promoting the upcoming summit sessions and promoting the Russian investment opportunities in the Islamic world, as it is the unifying voice of the private sector in the OIC countries
Since the beginning of its journey in 2009, the Kazan Summit has been an extraordinary international platform for discussing means of cooperation, joint projects and presenting promising investment opportunities from all over the world. It has also included the Russian Halal Exhibition, which is the main platform for the economic interaction and development of commercial, social and cultural relations between the Russian Federation and the countries of the Islamic world. The conference was inaugurated by the President of the Republic of Tatarstan, His Excellency Mr. Rustam Minnikhanov, in the presence of a prominent group of government officials, many international
experts and business leaders. In his speech, the President stressed the keenness of the government and
people of Tatarstan on economic and social cooperation and the exchange of cultures between Russia
and the Islamic world.
“I would like to say how thankful I am to the large team of Tatarstan for event management of a major event, for the fact that it is being held for the 12th time. Despite the special aspects of the situation, we have the opportunity to meet face-to-face, look into each other’s eyes and talk [about] how the world is changing, how important Russia’s openness is, how important integration into new opportunities is” H.E. Mr. Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of Russia addressed the participants and visitors of the Summit.
Within the framework of the participation of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development in the Kazan Summit 2021 as a special and media partner, Mr. Youssef Khalawi, SecretaryGeneral of the Islamic Chamber met with the President of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Kazan Kremlin to discuss issues of cooperation and joint projects between Russia and ICCD.
Mr. Youssef Hassan Khalawi, Secretary-General of ICCD, has also revealed ICCD future plans to support and develop SMEs, empower women, encourage entrepreneurship and non-governmental organizations that support young entrepreneurs. He also pointed out the importance of digital transformation in the future of the global economy and its role in eliminating centralization and empowering non-central countries.
Mr. Youssef Khalawi’s speech stressed that the Islamic world contains countless investment opportunities. He added, “The Organization of Islamic Cooperation has strong investment funds in the world, including the Initiative Fund. These funds are located in the Gulf countries and there are expectations that they will enter Azerbaijan and Indonesia.” Commenting on the keenness of the Islamic countries to develop the global economy, Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, highlighted the importance of international cooperation to enhance the role of industry and advance production and progress. He also announced the “300 billion” project presented by the UAE with the aim of doubling industrial production internationally.
Within the framework of ICCD’s role as a representative of the private sector in the 57 member states of OIC, ICCD organized a special session entitled “Successful Stories of the International Chambers of Commerce and Industry” in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Tatarstan. The session was inaugurated by His Excellency Mr. Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, with the participation and presence of some of the world’s most prominent economic leaders. The following chambers presented exceptional success stories, highlighting their unique roles in various fields: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation – Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Tatarstan – Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchange in Turkey (TOBB) – Makkah Chamber of Commerce – Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kazakhstan – Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce – Bahrain Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
In the context of the continuous efforts of the Islamic Chamber in introducing and adopting Islamic food products (Halal) and contributing to the provision of halal food and products around the world, Mr. Ashraf Al-Tanbouli, CEO of Islamic Chamber Halal Certification Services (ICHCS), has announced during the session “Halal Industry: Experience, Prospects” the beginning of operation of the company and the launch of IC Halal, an innovative halal certification platform through internet and mobile applications.
As a part of the Kazan Summit 2021, the “Conscious Consumption and Creativity” session brought together a group of senior government officials and economic experts in the world, among them: H.E Mr. Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Russian Republic of Tatarstan, Mr. Yousef Khalawi, Secretary General of ICCD, Mujahit Kyuchyukyylmaz, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Mr. Mehmet Muş, Honorable Minister of Commerce of Turkey and Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, H.E. Minister of State of Foreign Trade of UAE, H.E. Almambet Shykmamatov, Minister of Investments of Kyrgyzstan Republic, H.E Eng. Khalil Ibrahim Al-Watban, Deputy Minister For Sectoral And Regional Development Affairs At Ministry Of Economy And Planning of KSA, Ms. Veronika Nikishina, Director General of the Russian Export Center JSC, and Mr.
Ayman Amin Sejeni, CEO and General Manager of the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector, Mr. Rifat Hisarcılcioglu, President of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey ( TOBB) , and Mr. Mehmet Jinnah, President of UNWHD’s International Halal Day. The session also witnessed a large presence and wide participation from many pioneers of the global economy and business.
In this regard, ICCD affirms its keenness and constant endeavor to enhance the cooperation in the fields of commerce and business, promote investment opportunities through the participation in global events, and develop joint economic projects between its member states and the rest of the world.