16th November 2023, Manama, Kingdom of
Bahrain, Barcelona, Spain | The General
Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions, the official global
representative of Islamic financial institutions (IFIs), along with the
Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME) and
the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, successfully convened the 7th
Mediterranean Islamic Finance Forum (MIFF) today. Held both in Barcelona,
Spain, and online, this year's forum explored the theme "Islamic Finance
in the Mediterranean Region: An Avenue for Sustainability and Economic
Growth." The event brought together influential figures from the finance
industry to discuss opportunities for economic growth and sustainability in the
Mediterranean region.
This successful forum followed the previous series of Mediterranean
Islamic Finance Forums in Barcelona and was organised by CIBAFI as part of the
MedaWeek Barcelona 2023. The event attracted decision-makers, investors,
entrepreneurs, senior executives from financial institutions, business leaders,
policymakers, regulators, heads of government, and ministers from across the
Mediterranean, Europe, and the Middle East.
The second-day inauguration of the 17th Mediterranean
Week of Economic Leaders - MedaWeek Barcelona 2023 and the 7th MIFF
featured keynote speeches from industry leaders, including Dr. Abdelilah
Belatik, Secretary General of CIBAFI; Mr. Abd El Hameed Abou Mosa,
Governor of Faisal Islamic Bank of Egypt and CIBAFI Deputy Chairman of the Board
of Directors; Mr. Anwar Zibaoui, General Coordinator, ASCAME; Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director
General of the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), Saudi Arabia, and Mr.
Karim Elyas Wadie Qubain, FICAC Director - Honorary Consul General of Japan
in Honduras.
During the panel session, distinguished speakers engaged in
thought-provoking discussions on various topics critical to the region's
development and economic sustainability. The session explored the unique
challenges faced by the Mediterranean region and the role of Islamic finance in
addressing these challenges. Speakers shared insights on the potential of Sukuk
in financing sustainable infrastructure projects. Additionally, the panel
examined the vital role of Islamic finance in trade finance and investment to
encourage ethical business practices and foster economic growth. The
integration of technology and capacity-building initiatives for the
dissemination and growth of Islamic finance was also a significant part of the
conversation.
Panelists discussing these engaging topics included Prof. Marcos
Eguiguren, Associate Provost - Director of the International Centre in
Sustainable Finance and Secretary of the Board of Trustees at UPF Barcelona
School of Management, Spain; Dr. Mohamed Damak, Senior Director, Sector
Lead Financial Institutions & Global Head of Islamic Finance, S&P
Global Ratings, UAE; Mr. Mohamed Elkhazmi, Chief Representative, Al
Baraka Group B.S.C., Representative Office - Libya. The session was moderated
by Ms. Noha Shacker, Founder and Secretary General of the Egyptian
Fintech Association.
This Forum aligns with CIBAFI’s strategic objective to promote and
facilitate the growth of Islamic finance. CIBAFI continues to support the
Islamic financial services industry through various activities and initiatives.
These include providing industry stakeholders with a platform to discuss
emerging issues and engaging in policy and regulatory advocacy initiatives.
Moreover, CIBAFI represents the industry at major global financial events and
shares knowledge through specialized publications and comprehensive training
programmes.