CASABLANCA - Tun Musa Hitam, The World Islamic Economic Forum president, stated that the stability that Morocco enjoys in the midst of the insurgency in neighboring countries consolidates its economic development as reported by the Moroccan daily Al Massae.
During his visit to Morocco last week, Mr. Hitam insisted that the geographic proximity to the European continent contributes to the commercial and economic development of Morocco.
On the other hand, he called Moroccan decision makers to expand their economic relations to include new partners from the Muslim world especially in the current economic juncture marked by slow growth and fears of bankruptcy.
Regarding the next edition of the World Islamic Economic Forum that will take place on October 29 - 30 in London, Hitam commented: “This is a meeting of economic officials from different countries who have interest in the world of business, and it is liable to improve living conditions in the Muslim society.”
The World Islamic Economic Forum started off from a modest beginning as the OIC Business Forum, which was held on 15 October 2003, in conjunction with the tenth OIC Summit in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
The Forum brought together government leaders, captains of industries, academic scholars, regional experts, professionals and corporate managers to discuss opportunities for business partnerships in the Muslim world.
Hitam who has already been a vice president in the Malaysian government asserted that 1500 participants confirmed their presence in the forthcoming World Islamic Economic Forum including head of states.
When asked about the difference between the Davos World Economic Forum and the World Islamic Economic Forum, Mr. Hitam replied: “Davos meeting is elitist and evokes only major events whereas the World Islamic Economic Forum stems from the economic fabric in order to enable citizens to improve their revenues through small and medium sized companies which can engender a real change in developing countries.”