BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 16. A memorandum of
understanding (MoU) is expected to be signed between ICESCO and the
Islamic Development Bank, Amira El Fadil, Head of the Partnerships
and International Cooperation Sector at ICESCO, said, Trend's correspondent
reports from the event.


She made the remark during an event titled "Champions of the
Halal Industry Driving Innovation, Trust, and Global Growth," held
as part of the Annual Meeting of the Islamic Development Bank
(IsDB) Group in Baku,


She noted that the halal industry creates vast economic
opportunities for the Islamic world and Muslim countries.


"ICESCO has 54 member states. Currently, a number of non-Muslim
countries also hold observer status in the organization. Such a
broad membership framework allows us to strengthen cooperation with
member states and their governments, and particularly to create new
opportunities for youth in Islamic countries," she emphasized.


Amira El Fadil pointed out that ICESCO pays special attention to
the empowerment of youth and women. According to her, the
organization seeks to play a more active role in the halal industry
by leveraging its core areas of activity, such as education,
culture, and science.


She stated that over the past four years, ICESCO has
significantly expanded its activities in the halal industry
sector.


"The leading role in this direction is played by the
organization's science and technology sector. This sector operates
in cooperation with the fields of education and culture. When
looking at the halal industry from a cultural perspective, we see
that this sector is shaped on the foundation of Muslim values and
culture," she added.







The ICESCO official noted that the organization, as a partner
institution of the Islamic Development Bank, is working on
expanding cooperation in the halal industry.


"Currently, a memorandum of understanding is expected to be
signed between ICESCO and the Islamic Development Bank. We expect
this document to be signed in the near future. One of the main
projects involves capacity building and strengthening cooperation
in the halal industry," she said.


According to Amira El Fadil, ICESCO has been actively working in
this field through the education sector since 2022.


"We have held a number of meetings with the steering committee,
and the initiatives have been presented to ministers of education.
Seminars and training programs are being organized in member
states. The goal is to better promote the essence of the halal
industry, the key entities and organizations operating in this
field, and to strengthen awareness among governments, the public,
and non-governmental organizations," she emphasized.


She added that ICESCO has organized numerous events in Morocco
and other member countries. Alongside government agencies,
representatives from the private sector and small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs) also participate in these events.


"Currently, we are continuing our cooperation with the private
sector and non-governmental organizations in the member states,"
Amira El Fadil said.