An emerging & sustainable economy in transition
Dubai: Prof Laurent Marlière, Publisher of the ISLAMICA500 said “the Islamic Economy is in a transition phase. It is going from a pejorative impact generated by ill-intentioned political groups to align to a modern circular and digital economy’. Never in history, was the need to recognize its global leaders so important, he says”
The Islamic economy, which encompasses almost one human being out of four, is one of the strong pillars of world economy.
Marlière adds: “We are living at a time of disruption. We witness radical socio-economic changes, trade wars, embargos, transformation of oil economies, dramatic new technologies, climate changes, epidemic viruses,… This changes the way to do business.”
In this context, most institutional and conventional investors have two key words on their agenda: (1) “Emerging markets” and (2) “sustainability”.
This part of the world is a very competitive stakeholder to take leadership in these segments, as most emerging markets nowadays are Muslim markets. Besides, Islamic finance is de facto a sustainable finance. Marlière says with pride : “We are at the crossroad of the investments between the mature markets and the emerging markets. We are the gateway.”
Accolade to economic leaders
The event gathered keynote leaders in various sectors of banks, investment funds, insurance, agro-business, travel & hospitality, fashion,…
The 50 CEOs and executives were awarded for their innovation and persistence in the industry. A lead by the example philosophy which inspires the new generation and the players in the Islamic Economy.
Ayman Sejiny, CEO of ICD (Islamic Development Bank Group) said: “Africa offers a substantial growth to our industry. The focus will be on Millennial empowerment who needs to have leaders as role models.”
Rafi-uddin Shikoh, MD, DinarStandard: “the diversity of the industry goes beyond geographical boundaries, recognizing women in their leadership position is a must”
Dr. Sutan Emir Hidayat, Director KNKS Indonesia: “Indonesia, the largest Muslim market in the work is growing in all rankings and focusing on its Islamic economy segment”
Khaled Khalifa, Regional Representative UNHCR said :”9 out of 10 countries producing refugees are from the Muslim world. UNHCR is engaging with Islamic philanthropy as a model of good economy”
Khaled Al Aboodi, CEO of SALIC said : “The transformation of the Saudi economy in a dynamic marketplace will impact the Islamic economy”
Mohammed Kateeb, Group Chairman & CEO Path Solutions: “Digitalization resolve many issues on the regulatory side of the Islamic finance framework”.
Tomas Guerrero, Manager, The Halal & Marketing Center (HTMC),said: “Pushed by the Halal segment, an event like Gulfood in Dubai becomes one of the leading agro business fair in the world.”
Zineb Bensaïd, Senior Consultant ISFIN said : The Islamic marketplace goes beyond the OIC countries and regions like Europe, America and Africa offer solid retail markets as well.”
The ISLAMICA500 is the who’s who guide and community for the Islamic finance, economy and halal industry professionals. It has become the industry benchmark.
The ISLAMICA is supported by the WIEF (World Islamic Economic Forum), the ICD (Islamic Development Bank Group), the UNHCR
