By Satish Kanady
DOHA: Minister of Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani has stressed the need for further bolstering the cooperation between Islamic countries and the rest of the world for a stronger global economy.
Addressing a session on the opening day of the 12th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF), which kicked off in Indonesia yesterday, Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim called on the countries to work for increasing the volume of trade and creating a business environment that will provide a boost to the economies of Islamic countries. The Minister said that the investment strategy adopted by Qatar helped achieve the local economy a stable growth. The strategies also helped Qatar improve its rankings in many international reports, including the global competitiveness report where Qatar was ranked as the top Arab country.
The Minister expressed hope the WIEF can find solutions to the challenges facing the global economy, including the decline in growth rates and the volatility of oil prices.
The Forum, held under the title of “decentralising, a catalyst for future entrepreneurs”. It offers a platform for delegates to discuss challenges, opportunities, and latest issues and trends surrounding the global business landscape.
The Forum also explores the urgent role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in driving economic growth in national economies around the world, away from the previous dominance of big multinationals, to ensure employment, a resilient domestic sector and a strong economy to compete on the global arena. The Forum was kicked off at the Indonesian capital Jakarta, with participation of 2,500 delegates and 60 role players from over 100 countries across the globe.
The Indonesian President Joko Widodo, during the forum’s opening, highlighted the importance of innovation amid fragile economic recovery and the demographic bonus of a Muslim population as a strong advantage in facing global challenges.
The Peninsula
