British Muslims attends World Islamic Economic Forum in Jakarta

The Muslim Council of Britain’s Business and Economic Committee has organised delegations to each World Islamic Economic Forum since its creation in 2004, which has in previous years been held in Malaysia, Pakistan and Kuwait. This year’s delegation included bankers, accountants, lawyers, academics, civil servants and business people. One of the aims of the WIEF is to promote partnership between Muslim and non-Muslim business people by forging co-operation across borders among entrepreneurs in Muslim majority countries and those in other countries. The theme of this year’s WIEF was “Food and Energy Security and Stemming the Tide of the Global Financial Crisis.” Speaking about the forum, the MCB Secretary-General, Dr. Muhammad Abdul Bari said: “The theme of the recent WIEF highlights issues that are relevant to everyone, including the West. The delegations to the WIEF led by the MCB demonstrate our commitment to develop creative solutions and provide an alternative way of thinking.” Sir Iqbal Sacranie, who led the delegation and is a member of the WIEF’s International Advisory Panel, said: “The declaration of the 5th WIEF is very relevant given the current crises experienced throughout the world. The UK in particular has an important role in the furtherance of the declaration, which included the promotion of Islamic finance as a viable alternative to the conventional financial system and the balance between food production and consumption as well as energy usage.” Other themes explored at 5th WIEF included women entrepreneurs as the driving force towards a stronger future and youth leadership. /106