KAZAN, 12th May, 2025 (WAM) -- The XVI International Economic Forum Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum will be held in Kazan from 13th to 18th May, bringing together representatives from over 80 countries, including experts, investors and business leaders from member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
According to TV BRICS, this year’s edition will be held under the theme “Digitalisation: new reality and additional opportunities for expanding cooperation.”
The business agenda includes approximately 120 thematic sessions covering a range of topics, such as the halal industry, finance and investment, international cooperation, tourism, education, culture, youth entrepreneurship and more. A key highlight will be the plenary session, attended by high-ranking officials.
According to Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the Russian President and Executive Secretary of the Forum Organising Committee, KazanForum serves as a platform for dialogue and launching joint initiatives.
"I am confident that the work of the forum, as always, will be substantive and constructive, will be held in a spirit of openness and trust and will traditionally open the way to the implementation of many new joint projects," he said.
Media engagement will also be a focus. On 15th May, a media session featuring international journalists will include a presentation by TV BRICS, the forum’s media partner in BRICS countries. Daria Ivankova, Director of the International Cooperation Department at TV BRICS, will address the session.
A dedicated session on the North-South International Transport Corridor will examine infrastructure development, the expansion of transport routes and the introduction of new projects.
KazanForum will also feature international round tables and industrial dialogues. Among the key events are the meeting of the Russia-Islamic World Strategic Vision Group, a congress of OIC ministers of culture, and various diplomatic gatherings.
The Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre will host Russia Halal Expo, the country’s largest showcase of investment and infrastructure projects. In parallel, the Kazan Halal Market trade fair will take place at the Agro-Industrial Park, where halal products from Tatarstan and other Russian regions will be exhibited.
The forum will be complemented by an extensive cultural programme. Guests will be able to visit the festival of cuisines of Islamic countries and the Yunus Akhmetzyanov tournament of young chefs, the Modest Fashion Day festival of Islamic fashion, performances and exhibitions. From 14th to 17th May, an international football tournament for children "Cup of the East" will be held, in which teams from the OIC countries will take part.
KazanForum aims to strengthen trade, economic, scientific, technical, social and cultural cooperation between the Russian Federation and OIC member states. In 2024, the forum welcomed over 20,500 participants from 87 countries.