On May 16, a plenary session entitled “Digitalization: New Reality and Additional Opportunities for Expanding Cooperation” is being held in Tatarstan as part of the 16th International Economic Forum “Russia — Islamic World: KazanForum – 2025”. High-ranking participants and experts continued the topic mentioned at the BRICS summit on digitalization, as in the context of global economic changes and challenges, it is becoming a key factor in strengthening cooperation between Russia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The meeting began with the recitation of selected ayats from the Holy Quran by the Mufti of Tatarstan Kamil hazrat Samigullin. The meeting was moderated by the Secretary General of the General Council of Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (CIBAFI) Abdelilah Belatic.
"Trade between the OIC countries and the Russian Federation amounted to 40 billion dollars. Last year, this figure exceeded 140 billion," Mr. Belatik congratulated everyone involved in this achievement before inviting Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Marat Khusnullin, who heads the organizing committee of "KazanForum - 2025", to the podium. The deputy chairman read out an address from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"For centuries, our multinational country has been open to broad partnership with the states of the Islamic world. And today, despite the difficult international situation, we continue to expand cooperation successfully and consistently," the address said.
Regarding the central topic of the meeting, Khusnullin noted that Russia is actively developing digital solutions within the framework of the national project "Infrastructure for Life", which combines housing, transport, urban environment, and quality of life. Despite the sanctions, the country demonstrates an annual increase in IT solutions by 15-20%.
"We have set the task of building over a billion square meters of housing by 2030. To do this, we are introducing digital platforms such as the National Spatial Data System, which combines 2,000 dynamic layers of information, and a developer control system covering all residential projects over the past 6 years," said the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.
“Islamic countries need to show examples of effective and attractive models for cooperation,” said the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov during his speech.
Initiatives such as the TAPI (Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) gas pipeline, the development of railway routes connecting Central and South Asia, and the construction of fiber-optic networks contribute to strengthening energy security, expanding trade opportunities, and creating new jobs.
"Tatarstan occupies a special place due to its technological resources and historical ties. We are conducting joint activities," Berdimuhamedov emphasized, thanking the Russian government for supporting this cooperation.
For the next speech, the moderator invited Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia. The economy of this country is recognized as one of the fastest growing in Southeast Asia. His Excellency expressed admiration for the multinational Russian people, being inspired by their fortitude, loyalty and will.
"We see this spirit in Tatarstan, as well as in the Russian Federation, which is changing history and is one of the leading voices of the Muslim world," said Mr. Ibrahim. According to him, new tariff wars, sanctions pressure, geopolitical challenges will not lead us astray from the path of mutual cooperation.
The Prime Minister of Malaysia paid special attention to the development of the halal industry and Islamic finance, where turnover reaches trillions of dollars: "This is not just interest-free finance, but an innovative model open to everyone." The Prime Minister also noted that the ASEAN region (Association of Southeast Asian Nations – editor's note) demonstrates successful cooperation in energy and digital transformation.
“The meeting with President Putin confirmed that KazanForum is a practical instrument for uniting the Muslim world,” concluded Mr. Ibrahim.
Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan and Chairman of the Group of Strategic Vision "Russia - Islamic World" (Group) Rustam Minnikhanov called on the forum participants to pay attention to Tatarstan's experience in attracting investment in the IT sector, as well as the implementation of digital solutions in urban and state administration.
"Thanks to the development of information technologies and digital platforms, today the republic is actively integrating into global supply chains, increasing its attractiveness for investors and partners. The presence of about 3.5 thousand IT companies and tens of thousands of IT specialists allows us to develop and implement advanced technological solutions in many areas of public life," said Rais of Tatarstan.
Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjaev informed the participants about the details of the republic's large-scale reforms in the field of digitalization, covering public administration, the economy, and the social sphere. Among the key achievements: a platform for providing more electronic government services to simplify the interaction of citizens and businesses with the state; the National Center for Artificial Intelligence, which develops solutions for healthcare, education, and law enforcement agencies; "Digital Valley" in Tashkent - an IT park that has attracted more than 200 companies, including international ones.
“Uzbekistan is open to deepening technological partnerships, joint research and development work and the creation of a single digital space,” said Mr. Khodjaev.
Then the moderator, Mr. Belatik, noted the United Arab Emirates' reputation for progressive initiatives. In this regard, he asked the Chairperson and President of the UAE Women's Business Council, Farida Abdulla Kamber Alawadhi, "What digital solutions and platforms could most effectively contribute to strengthening the role of women in the development of economic cooperation between Russia and the Islamic world?"
“Digitalization is not just a tool, but a powerful driver of development that empowers women in the UAE: from starting an e-commerce business to leadership in high-tech sectors. Today, women own more than 50% of small and medium-sized businesses in the country, and initiatives like Women in Tech Emirates and AI programs open doors for them to the digital economy. When women thrive in this era, everyone wins,” shared Ms. Alawadhi.
Ebrahim bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), in his speech highlighted the issue of digitalization in the Islamic banking system – over the past decade, growth has amounted to about 17% per annum, reaching a volume of $3 trillion.
"Cooperation with Tatarstan and the Russian Federation takes time, as there is a strong real economy here. We want to move away from investments in real estate and develop culture, security, transport and trade. All investments in the countries participating in the Islamic Development Bank are 100% guaranteed," Mr. Al Khalifa emphasized.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP WORLD, spoke about the impact of digitalization on global logistics. According to him, this process significantly speeds up cargo processing, reducing inspection time by 30%. For example, in Dubai, digital platforms reroute cargo between customs and ports, eliminating delays.
Using blockchain and unified digital systems, as in Azerbaijan, allows for control of the supply chain, promptly eliminating delays and reducing costs. A universal digital language in logistics is the key to efficiency.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: KazanForum