International Islamic Food Processing Association (“IFPA”) participated in the 2021 Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the Islamic Development Bank Group (“IsDB Group”) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan which attracted more than 2,000 participants and created a dynamic platform for decision-makers to explore game-changing innovations and high-impact business solutions among member countries.
On the sidelines of the Annual Meetings, multiple seminars and flagship events were organised that integrated international and regional organizations, and private sector entities. The side events provide an interactive platform that encourages discussions of economic, financial issues and investment opportunities to promote partnerships, cooperation and to sign bilateral agreements.
IFPA was represented by both the Chair of its Board, H.E. Mr. Yerlan Baidaulet and the Heads of its Business Development and Marketing Departments including the Head of International Memberships, Ms. Gulsum Kenenbayeva, Head of International Partnerships, Mr. Berik Kaliyev and Head of Administration, Mr. Meirambek Issabekov. H.E. Mr. Yerlan Baidaulet signed three major strategic partnership and cooperation agreements with the IsDB Group entities, ICIEC, ITFC and ICD while the IFPA team held several B2B productive meetings for enhancing cooperation in providing Islamic finance, investment and export insurance solutions for intra-OIC agri-food sector entities through IFPA’s multilateral private sector platform. These one-to-one meetings were conducted with the Heads of entities such as TAIBA Leasing; Amana Islamic Bank; Amana Takaful Insurance Company; Hunnap Company; Islamic Business and Finance entity; Alif Banking FinTech platform and others.
Some key investments and trade opportunities were particularly discussed with key representatives of the regional organisations – Heads of IMAN Islamic App; Central Asian Trade House LLP; Investment Department of the Oil and Fat Association “UZYOGMOYSANOAT”; Uzbekistan Food Industry Association “OzOSU”; Assembly of Economics of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Association of Exporters of Uzbekistan and others.
The Director General and CEO of IFPA, H.E. Sheikh Bilal Khan remarked “IFPA had an extremely successful and highly productive business trip to Tashkent, Uzbekistan led by our Chair. We have already followed up with next practical steps for our key market participants in order to sign up as many entities as possible and to offer them our wholesome services. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and indeed the entire Central Asian-based OIC markets provide highly untapped trade and investment opportunities for other connecting regions from South Asia to the Middle East and further to Africa. We would like to thank the IsDB Group organisers and all participants for their fruitful engagement and we keenly look forward to working jointly for mutually beneficial outcomes.”
