London to host 9th World Islamic Economic Forum in October 2013

The 9th World Islamic Economic Forum will be held on 29 – 31 October 2013 at the ExCel London. This is the Forum’s first annual event in Europe following successes in Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Kuwait and Pakistan. The forum’s first foray into Europe to provide deeper insights into Islamic values to drive business, social and economic growth in Muslim and non-Muslim nations

At the 9th WIEF, sessions will be adapted to increase delegates’ participation as they explore business and investment opportunities, as well as engage in discourse on topical issues and how best to address them. Key areas of focus at the upcoming forum in London include Islamic banking and finance, technology, infrastructure development, health, exports, education and youth.

Tun Musa Hitam, Chairman of the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) Foundation, and Alan Duncan, Minister of State for International Development, the United Kingdom (UK) today announced London as host of the 9th WIEF. The global forum will be held on 29 – 31 October 2013 at the ExCel London. This is the Forum’s first annual event in Europe following successes in Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Kuwait and Pakistan.

 Tun Musa Hitam, Chairman of the WIEF said

“We are excited to bring the World Islamic Economic Forum to London. It is a reflection of the forum’s increasing significance as a global platform which brings together Muslim and non-Muslim communities through business. We see immense opportunities for collaboration to propel the world’s business, social and economic progress. As the forum continues to extend our global influence, the Foundation remains focused in our commitment to help communities with the greatest needs by empowering both big and small companies, entrepreneurs, women and youth to make a difference,”

Alan Duncan, Minister of State for International Development, said

“This annual event is an excellent platform for bringing together leaders from government, business, media and culture – to name just a few sectors. Following on from the 2012 Olympics, it will be another opportunity for London to showcase itself as one of the world’s most open, multicultural and multi-faith cities, as well as the leading centre for Islamic finance in the West.”

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said

“It is a great honour that the World Islamic Economic Forum has chosen London as the venue for its first conference ever to be held outside a Muslim country. We look forward to welcoming its delegates next year and will do our upmost to ensure their 2013 Forum is a great success. Our guests will find a city where they can easily conduct business and which has so much to offer visitors, which is why London is consistently proving to be the conference and event capital of the world.”

At the 9th WIEF, sessions will be adapted to increase delegates’ participation as they explore business and investment opportunities, as well as engage in discourse on topical issues and how best to address them. Key areas of focus at the upcoming forum in London include Islamic banking and finance, technology, infrastructure development, health, exports, education and youth.

WIEF Foundation will continue organising workshops and roundtables across countries worldwide as part of its on-going efforts to engage with a global audience. This will follow from the 8th WIEF which attracted 2,100 delegates from 86 countries, and saw the announcement of eight partnerships forged. The WIEF Businesswomen Forum, WIEF Young Leaders Forum, Marketplace of Creative Arts and Gala Dinner will continue to be key features of the annual forum.