KazanForum 2025: 16th Edition of the International Economic Forum Russia - Islamic World
The 16th edition of the International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World" kicked off on Thursday in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan and Russia's 6th largest city. Themed "Digitalization: New Reality and Additional Opportunities for Expanding Cooperation," the event will run until May 18.
This annual forum serves as a strategic platform between Russia and member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), aiming to strengthen their collaboration in sectors, including economy, healthcare, transportation, Islamic finance, halal industry, education, culture, sports, and entrepreneurship.
According to the organizers, cooperation with Islamic states is a key lever for building a new model of international relations in a multipolar world. The KazanForum thus enables Russia to weave economic ties and exchange with the Islamic business community, covering topics such as:
- Development of multimodal transport
- Economic security
- Digital technologies
- Logistics
- Cultural diplomacy
- Expansion of Islamic finance in regions like Bashkortostan, Chechnya, Tatarstan, and Dagestan
Parallel to the forum, the International Halal Expo (May 14-16) showcases Russian investment projects and exports in the halal sector, now considered an international quality standard. The Kazan Halal Market, Russia's largest halal showcase, highlights products from major enterprises from the Islamic world.
The program includes an Islamic fashion festival and the Young Chefs International culinary competition, gathering over 100 young chefs under 25 from countries like Morocco, Senegal, Russia, Tunisia, and Turkey. Accompanied by renowned chefs, they must create a complete menu based on typical products from their country.
During the 2024 edition, 120 agreements and memoranda were signed. The trade turnover between Russia and OIC countries has also seen a 30% increase over the past year.
