10th WIEF In Dubai Aims To Forge Greater Collaboration Between Nations

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (Bernama) -- The 10th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) in Dubai from Oct 28-30, 2014, aims to forge greater collaboration between nations, bringing a new era of prosperity for the global economy. WIEF Foundation Chairman Musa Hitam said the Islamic economy is not insulated from happenings around the world and the foundation aimed to bring to the fore opportunities which will ensure continued progress for the economy and the people. "The three ways we can achieve this are by exploring prospects in smaller, non-majority Muslim markets, leveraging the continued growth of Islamic finance, and represented in our theme for 10th WIEF, "Forging Innovative Partnerships for Business Success". "The upcoming Asean integration in 2015, as well as the increasing purchasing power of Muslim consumers, underscores the strong growth potential of the Islamic economy," said Musa who on Tuesday unveiled details of the upcoming forum. He said the priority was to bring global leaders, businesses and all members of the community together to realise these opportunities for sustainable development worldwide. "We all have a part to play," he said at a media briefing on the upcoming 10th WIEF here Tuesday. Musa said more than 2,500 participants from 140 countries were expected at the forum as Dubai focuses on shaping the US$8 trillion (RM25 trillion) Islamic economy. Recognised for its significant contributions to progress in the global Islamic economy over the last 10 years, Musa said the annual forum would highlight Dubai's pursuit to play a key role in shaping the targeted Islamic economy. According to the foundation, the 10th WIEF will introduce new features to celebrate Dubai as the land of creativity and city which embraces the culture of innovation, such a platform for entrepreneurs and innovators to give a 15-minute pitch on stage as well as a business match-making programme. It said there will also be a specialised session on the second day of the forum to inaugurate and drive the halal bio-economy agenda, focusing on food security, healthcare and well-being of the global Muslim community. "Mobilising Capital from Waqf, Pension Funds and Unit Trusts: Developing Best Practices" is another thought-provoking panel discussion which will be introduced at the 10th WIEF, it added. Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, said Dubai, already the region's key business hub, is the gateway for businesses to unlock the potential of the Islamic economy across the Gulf and wider Middle East. "We are confident that more partnerships would be forged when global leaders and businesses converge in Dubai for the forum," he said. --BERNAMA