KazanForum 2026 Expected To Boost Trade, Islamic Finance Ties Between Russia, Islamic Economies
From Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid
KAZAN (Russia) May 13 (Bernama) -- KazanForum 2026 is expected to generate new trade, investment and Islamic finance opportunities between Russia and Islamic economies, with organisers aiming to strengthen cross-border business cooperation through industry-focused engagements and targeted investment initiatives.
The 17th International Economic Forum “Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum” is being held in Kazan, Russia from May 12 to 17, bringing together participants from Russia, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries, ASEAN, and other international markets.
Head of the Investment Development Agency of the Republic of Tatarstan Taliya Minullina said the forum serves as Russia’s main economic platform connecting the country with Islamic markets.
“It is a valuable opportunity for us to share Tatarstan’s investment potential and welcome guests to Russia’s main platform for engagement between Russia and Islamic countries,” she said during a briefing session ahead of the forum.
Also present at the briefing were Tatarstan Culture Minister, Irada Ayupova, deputy chairman of the Strategic Vision Group “Russia-Islamic World” and aide to the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Marat Gatin, and general director of the Directorate for Sports and Social Projects Maksim Denisov.
Kazan, located more than 830 kilometres from Moscow -- or over eight hours by road -- is the largest city and capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, and is known as an industrial, commercial, and cultural centre for the Tatar people.
As of 2022, Tatarstan had a population of 3.9 million people comprising more than 70 ethnic groups, with Muslims accounting for over 50 per cent of the population. The republic is home to more than 150 halal product manufacturers, including around 20 companies focused on exports.
Its major exports are refined petroleum valued at US$4.28 billion, crude petroleum (US$3.84 billion), synthetic rubber (US$1.06 billion) and nitrogen fertilisers (US$202 million).
Minullina said Tatarstan is promoting investment opportunities across sectors including machinery manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, culture, production and halal-certified industries.
“We have a wide range of initiatives across industries, including machinery manufacturing involving helicopters, trucks, ships and aircraft, which we hope to export to Islamic countries,” she added.
She said the forum will feature 159 business matching sessions involving various sectors, alongside discussions on Islamic finance, food security, tourism, and regional investment cooperation.
Other than that, she also highlighted growing momentum in Islamic finance initiatives, including Shariah-compliant financing instruments and Islamic bond structures currently being developed in Russia.
Participations this year has reached nearly 25,000 registered delegates, reflecting rising international interest in economic cooperation with Russia and Islamic economies, including Malaysia and the ASEAN region.
The 2026 business programme covers a broad range of sectors including international cooperation, Islamic finance and investment, halal production, industry, transport, tourism, medicine, education, culture, sports, youth entrepreneurship, women’s agenda, and media.
Participants will also attend dozens of thematic sessions featuring experts from Russian regions, member countries of the OIC and other international markets.
-- BERNAMA