Kazan: The XVI International Economic Forum Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum is set to take place in Kazan from 13th to 18th May, bringing together representatives from over 80 countries, including experts, investors, and business leaders from member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
According to Emirates News Agency, this year’s edition will be held under the theme ‘Digitalisation: new reality and additional opportunities for expanding cooperation.’ The business agenda includes approximately 120 thematic sessions that will cover a range of topics, including the halal industry, finance and investment, international cooperation, tourism, education, culture, and youth entrepreneurship. A key highlight of the event will be the plenary session, attended by high-ranking officials.
According to Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the Russian President and Executive Secretary of the Forum Organising Committee, KazanForum serves as a platform for dialogue and launching joint initiatives. Kobyakov expressed confidence that the forum will be substantive and constructive, held in a spirit of openness and trust, and will open the way to the implementation of new joint projects.
Media engagement will also be a focus at the forum. On 15th May, a media session featuring international journalists will include a presentation by TV BRICS, the forum’s media partner in BRICS countries. Daria Ivankova, Director of the International Cooperation Department at TV BRICS, will address the session.
A dedicated session on the North-South International Transport Corridor will examine infrastructure development, the expansion of transport routes, and the introduction of new projects. KazanForum will also feature international round tables and industrial dialogues, including the meeting of the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group, a congress of OIC ministers of culture, and various diplomatic gatherings.
The Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre will host Russia Halal Expo, the country’s largest showcase of investment and infrastructure projects. In parallel, the Kazan Halal Market trade fair will take place at the Agro-Industrial Park, showcasing halal products from Tatarstan and other Russian regions.
Complementing the forum will be an extensive cultural programme, allowing guests to visit the festival of cuisines of Islamic countries, the Yunus Akhmetzyanov tournament of young chefs, the Modest Fashion Day festival of Islamic fashion, performances, and exhibitions. From 14th to 17th May, an international football tournament for children, “Cup of the East,” will be held, featuring teams from OIC countries.
KazanForum aims to strengthen trade, economic, scientific, technical, social, and cultural cooperation between the Russian Federation and OIC member states. In 2024, the forum welcomed over 20,500 participants from 87 countries.