14th Kazan Economic Forum kicks off in Tatarstan

Hosting over 200 events and 140 thematic meetings with the participation of professionals from several countries, the 14th International Economic Summit: Russia-Islamic World: Kazan Forum 2023 started on Thursday in Kazan, the capital of the Russian Republic of Tatarstan.

The three-day event is expected to strengthen trade, economic, scientific, and technological cooperation, as well as social and cultural ties between Russia and the Islamic world.

The international forum, of which Anadolu Agency is the global communication partner, aims to expand Islamic finance and the halal industry in Russia, and create new markets and economic opportunities for investors from member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Representatives from international organizations, public and financial institutions, embassy officials, lawmakers, investors, and businesspeople will attend the forum, which offers participants in the business community the opportunity to find trade, financial and technological partners, expand into new markets and attract new investments.

In a statement issued to mark the event, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged on Monday to strengthen ties between Moscow and Muslim countries through interregional and interstate collaboration.

‘The Islamic world is actively developing and has important accomplishments in trade, finance, innovations and applied scientific research. Russia is open to extensive business and cultural cooperation with Muslim countries,’ the Russian leader said, adding that the Russian Muslim community would ‘play an important role in expanding international contacts.’

A panel of experts will discuss Islamic finance, the halal industry, international cooperation, logistics, industry, sustainable development and environmental, social, and governance (ESG), IT technologies, innovation, and sanctions, as well as small and medium-sized businesses, education, sports, and medicine.

The event, which hosted about 6,000 delegates from 64 countries in 2022, will also feature the ‘Russia Halal Expo’ and ‘Russia Halal Market’ exhibitions, as well as the ‘Modest Fashion Day’ fashion show for conservative clothing.

• Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)