IsDB Group Affiliates to Host 14th Private Sector Forum in Baku from June 16 to 19

Affiliates of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group—including the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)—alongside the IsDB Group Business Forum (THIQAH) have announced the 14th edition of the Private Sector Forum (PSF 2026). The event will run from 16 to 19 June 2026 at the Baku Convention Centre in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Scheduled to coincide with the IsDB Group Annual Meetings, the forum will be organised in partnership with the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Export and Investment Promotion Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (AZPROMO), under the high patronage of President Ilham Aliyev.

With the theme “Regional Integration for Sustainable Prosperity,” PSF 2026 aims to strengthen the private sector’s role in promoting sustainable economic growth, boosting trade and investment flows, and unlocking strategic partnership opportunities among IsDB member countries, including Nigeria.

“At a time when enhancing regional value chains and economic resilience has become increasingly important, the forum will serve as a strategic platform for key stakeholders to explore new business opportunities, exchange knowledge, and foster deeper economic integration among member countries,” the organisers said in a statement issued yesterday ahead of this year’s annual meeting in Baku.

PSF 2026 will highlight emerging opportunities in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, technology, healthcare, and finance, while promoting cross‑border investment and trade.

Through high‑level dialogues, B2B and B2G meetings, start‑up engagement, and knowledge‑sharing sessions, the forum seeks to strengthen public‑private collaboration, support entrepreneurship and SMEs, and promote innovation‑driven growth across member countries’ economies.

The event, according to Communication Director Ahmed Ghezeleh, is expected to attract more than 1,500 participants, including high‑level government officials, presidents, CEOs of leading local and international companies, multilateral development institutions, chambers of commerce, industry and business associations, investment promotion agencies, investors, entrepreneurs, and financial institutions.

In addition to panel discussions and keynote speeches, PSF 2026 will feature a dedicated exhibition platform where partners can showcase projects, services, and investment opportunities. The forum will also host a start‑up competition to foster innovation and highlight promising business ideas. Moreover, for the fourth time, the event will present the IsDB Group Recognition Awards, honouring distinguished organisations and individuals for their contributions to economic development and trade facilitation.

Prominent speakers will include Chief Executive Officers of IsDB Group affiliates, notably Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, CEO of ICIEC and acting CEO of ICD, and Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, CEO of ITFC. “Together with industry leaders and experts, they will share insights and best practices aimed at strengthening investment and trade cooperation among IsDB member countries,” the statement added.

The Islamic Development Bank is a multilateral development bank that works to improve the lives of those it serves by promoting social and economic development in Muslim countries and communities worldwide, and by making a difference at scale. Through collaborative partnerships across its 57 member countries, the bank seeks to equip communities to drive their own economic and social progress and to build the infrastructure needed to realise their potential. The IsDB leaders stated, “The Bank’s new business model of ‘making markets work for development’ contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of our member countries in strategic industries, improving participation and upgrading in global value chains. This is in the fields of food and agricultural industries, textiles, clothing, leather, shoes, petrochemicals and petroleum, construction, and Islamic finance.”

“The bank also promotes innovative and sustainable solutions to the biggest development challenges in the world, and takes advantage of the scientific potential in technology and innovation as strategic drivers of economic growth, and we also work to achieve the United Nations sustainable development goals.”

The statement also noted that the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) is a member of the ‘AAA’-rated Islamic Development Bank, which commenced operations in 1994 to strengthen economic relations between OIC member states and promote intra‑OIC trade and investments by providing risk mitigation tools and financial solutions.

“The corporation is the only Islamic multilateral insurer in the world. It has led from the front to deliver a comprehensive suite of solutions to companies and parties in its 51 Member States. ICIEC, for the 18th consecutive year, maintained an insurance financial strength credit rating from Moody’s, ranking the Corporation among the top of the Credit and Political Risk Insurance (CPRI) industry.”

“Additionally, it has reaffirmed ICIEC’s ‘AA–’ long‑term Issuer Credit and Financial Strength Rating for the third year with a Stable Outlook. ICIEC’s resilience is underpinned by its sound underwriting, global reinsurance network, and strong risk management policies.”

“Cumulatively, ICIEC has insured more than USD 139 billion in trade and investment. ICIEC activities are directed to several sectors such as energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture.”