On May 12, a briefing on "Preparation and holding of the XVI International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum - 2025" was held in the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Tatarstan. Vivid details about the large-scale event were revealed by the head of the Investment Development Agency of the Republic of Tatarstan Taliya Minullina, the Minister of Culture of Tatarstan Irada Ayupova and the Minister of Construction and Architecture of the Republic Marat Aizatullin. The general director of the non-profit organization "Directorate of Sports and Social Projects" Maxim Denisov also joined the discussion.
"KazanForum is an international economic platform that continues to gain momentum," said the head of the Investment Development Agency. Taliya Minullina spoke about the record – at the moment, representatives from 103 countries have registered, with 10 thousand guests already expected.
The current forum includes about two hundred different events. The main topic is "Digitalization: New Reality", which will be the subject of the central plenary session on May 16 at the KazanExpo site. A total of 141 business conferences on various topics will be held at this venue.
In addition to the annual events, there are related events: Forum of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Islamic Countries, Congress of Prosecutors General of Islamic Countries, Competition of Young Chefs of Islamic Countries, Fashion Show, and other events, including Izge Bolgar Zhyeny - Day of Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria. This year, for the first time, friendly football matches will be held as part of the Eastern Cup.
"Previously, only producers of halal products from Tatarstan were represented at the exhibition in the Kazan agro-industrial park. Today, not only Russian regions but also the international community with a variety of goods participate in it," Minullina noted. The head of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency also emphasized that it is important for the republic to develop the exhibition into a platform for concluding large intercountry contracts.
This year, the largest delegations at the forum, which aims to develop trade and economic relations, come from Malaysia, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates and Senegal. For the first time, the guest of honour is the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mr. Anwar bin Ibrahim.
Heads of halal standardization organizations are also participating. A large delegation from Bahrain is present on the Islamic banking front, an area that receives special attention in the business program.
One of the main events in the cultural program of KazanForum – 2025 will be the plenary session of the Ministers of Culture of the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) “Dialogue of Cultures: The Basis for Preserving Identity and Diversity in a Multipolar World”, which will be held in the Kazan City Hall on May 15.
Before the start of the plenum, an exhibition display of the National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan will be presented in the foyer of the town hall. The display will be based on pages of handwritten 14th century Qurans written during the Mamluk and Ilkhanid dynasties .
"We wish Kazan, where education and art developed thanks to Islamic values, to show an example of joyful interreligious dialogue," the Minister of Culture of Tatarstan wished in Tatar. Irada Ayupova emphasized that the large-scale program of the forum will be timed to coincide with Kazan being awarded the status of Islamic cultural capital in 2026.
Key events in the cultural sphere will be held with the participation of representatives from 17 countries and international organizations (OIC, Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – ISESCO, Arab League). The events include business sessions on Islamic fashion, tourism, calligraphy, and cinema, as well as excursions to the Kazan Kremlin, the Kul Sharif Mosque, museums, and UNESCO-listed attractions; the Kazan Federal University Observatory will not be left without the attention of distinguished guests.
Marat Aizatullin, spoke about the international exhibition of the construction industry, which is being held for the second time within the framework of KazanForum with the support of the Ministry of Construction of Russia.
“This is a unique business event that brings together investors and leaders of the real estate market, seeking to shape the future and direction of the sector,” the minister shared. “The exhibition and business program provide an opportunity for effective international interaction between experts, investors, real estate agents, builders and developers.”
For the first time in the history of KazanForum, representatives from 74 countries and 54 participating companies from Russia will gather at one site. “This growth is direct evidence of the growing interest in Tatarstan as a center of investment and architectural activity,” emphasized Minister Aizatullin.
The exhibition will feature an extensive business program, during which 20 sessions will be held with the participation of Russian federal leaders, foreign guests, heads of Russian regions and construction companies, as well as leading architects.
The Ministry of Construction and Architecture of the Republic of Tatarstan will take part in two sessions on the topics: a modern approach to the integrated development of territories and prospects for the use of digital technologies in the field of construction and infrastructure.
"The infrastructure of KazanForum is ready for any loads, however, additional measures have been taken for the convenience and comfort of participants," reported the general director of the non-profit organization "Directorate of Sports and Social Projects". Maxim Denisov spoke about the decision of the Ministry of Transport of Tatarstan and the company "Sodruzhestvo" to strengthen the railway connection to "KazanExpo".
Additional trains from Kazan-1 railway station to KazanExpo and back will run every hour free of charge for everyone who has a participant badge. 625 people will help to hold KazanForum – 2025.
The head of the "Directorate of Sports and Social Projects" recalled the sports program - the football tournament "Eastern Cup". Kazan "Rubin" actively joined in the organization of the forum. The football club will organize a business session "Features of training an athlete during the holy Ramadan".
“In general, the organizational issues of KazanForum – 2025 are under the control of the operational headquarters of Tatarstan,” concluded Mr. Denisov, emphasizing the readiness of the republic to host the XVI International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World”.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"