In a recent address at the Global Muslim Business Forum’s gala dinner, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the need for Muslim countries to collaborate in order to enhance development and growth in sectors such as the halal industry and Islamic finance.
He highlighted the immense potential to upscale Islamic financial services globally as well as halal production.
Anwar expressed the importance of inclusivity, encouraging Muslim countries to seek collaboration rather than competition and avoid isolation.
He also cited Malaysia’s good fortune in collaborating with Indonesia and its efforts with Brunei and Thailand to foster better relationships, investment, and trade.
Furthermore, Anwar called for further collaboration with Indonesia in the halal sector due to the potential for market expansion beyond the Middle East to Europe and Africa.
He also commended the forum as a platform to address global challenges including climate change and civil strife.
In addition, Anwar emphasized the need for interfaith dialogue and collaboration, particularly in Malaysia’s multiracial society, and called for continued propagation of this approach.
Indonesian vice-president Prof Dr Ma’ruf Amin was also present at the event.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expressed optimism about the outlook for the global Islamic economy, citing the expected rise in demand for halal goods and services to USD2.8 trillion by 2025.
He also expressed Sarawak’s desire to be part of the global supply chain of Muslim economies by providing halal products and services as well as solutions for global challenges such as climate change and food security.
The three-day forum, themed “Innovations and Transformation in Islamic Economies,” was hosted by the Sarawak government and organized by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, and UK-based women’s NGO Global One.
It aimed to foster international partnerships and sustainable development, serve as a hub for Islamic learning, and support the green economy.
