KazanForum 2024 officially kicks off in Tatarstan

By Mert Davut and Handan Kazanci

KAZAN, Tatarstan (AA) — The official opening ceremony of the 15th KazanForum kicked off on Wednesday in Kazan, the capital of the Russian Republic of Tatarstan.

The business program of the 15th international economic summit Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2024 will focus on international cooperation, Islamic finance and investment, halal industry, science and technology, cooperation in business, infrastructural development, human resources, tourism, and culture.

Anadolu is the global communications partner of the five-day event which will run until Saturday.

The Republic of Tatarstan's Prime Minister Aleksey Valeryevich Pesoshin spoke at the ceremony, which he said serves as an annual platform for "cooperation of economic and social and cultural relationships between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world."

"Over these years, our relations between Russia and the Islamic world are growing stronger, and relationships are stable. It is enough to state that over the recent three years, the turnover between our countries has grown by 37% and has amounted to $156 billion," Pesoshin added.

Pesoshin said the forum was a unique platform that facilitated greater contacts and connections, constructive dialogue, and business.

At the event, the CEO of London-based Islamic Chamber Halal Services (ICHS) Ashraf Al Tanbouly said the Russia Halal Expo takes center stage this year, showcasing the global potential of halal products and services.

"The Islamic Chamber of Halal Services is honored to be a part of this momentous occasion. For years, we have championed the principle of ethical sourcing, transparency, and quality. Values that resonate deeply within the very essence of halal," Al Tanbouly said.

Noting that the worldwide demand for halal products has been expanding as the Muslim population grows past 1.8 billion, Al Tanbouly added: "The halal market presents a tremendous opportunity for producers around the world."

Last year, KazanForum hosted more than 16,000 visitors from 80 countries, including 57 members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).