From Rohani Mohd Ibrahim

KAZAN (Tatarstan, Russia), May 15 (Bernama) — The Islamic world has always been and remains one of Russia’s most important partners in the world and the relations have grown steadily and strongly in recent years, said Tatarstan Prime Minister Alexey Pesoshin. 

 Pesoshin said the trade turnover between Russia and the countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has grown by 37 per cent and amounted to more than US$156 billion. 

“All capacities of the Russian economy are directed to the large-scale increase of production and services, the mastering of advanced technologies, the creation of new industrial capacities and entire industries (with the Islamic world),” he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the 15th International Economic Forum “Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2024” and International Exhibition of Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation – Russia Halal Expo on Wednesday. 

Meanwhile, the chief executive officer of the Islamic Chamber Halal Certification Services, Ashraf El Tanbouli, in his speech said the demand for halal products is growing worldwide as the number of Muslims on the planet today exceeds two billion people. 

Ashraf said the market represents a huge opportunity for producers around the world and Russia, with its rich agricultural resources and strategic location, is uniquely positioned to be the biggest player in this dynamic market. 

The 15th International Economic Forum “Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2024” is being held from May 14 to 19 in Kazan with this year’s keynote themed “Trust and Cooperation”. 

The main goal of the forum is to strengthen trade and economic, scientific and technical, social and cultural ties between Russian regions and the countries of the OIC, as well as to promote the development of the Islamic financial system institutions in Russia.

This year, Malaysia held a pavilion at the forum showcasing many Malaysian products, such as orchids, sambal and cooking oil. 

Malaysia is represented by several agencies and companies, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, Halal Development Cooperation, OrchidMas Sdn Bhd and 3Bumi Sdn Bhd, a member of the Melewar Group. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a message on KazanForum 2024, published on the Kremlin website prior to the forum emphasised Russia’s enduring commitment to its traditionally friendly relations with Muslim countries. 

According to earlier media reports, the forum was granted federal status by a decree signed by Putin, placing it among the top three most significant and attended international economic forums in the region. 

The Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok and the St Petersburg International Economic Forum are the other two forums.

— BERNAMA 

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