This will help in diversifying the export markets."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Finance Minister, Bambang Brodjonegoro, has said Indonesia is ready to host the 12th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) from August 2 to 4, 2016.

"This forum aims to enhance cooperation with various sides in the Islamic world in the economic field," he said here on Tuesday.

Bambang explained that the forum will provide a platform for young people, especially those engaged in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, to exchange ideas and opinions with businesses from other countries.

"We can introduce young Indonesian businessmen to develop their business and tie up with business people from the Middle East and African countries. This will help in diversifying the export markets," he said.

In addition, the minister stated that Indonesia will introduce its potential in the field of tourism, culture, fashion and creative industries to the Middle East markets and other Muslim countries.

Some key issues to be discussed in the 12th WIEF include the issuance of bonds to finance infrastructure, integration of halal products and Islamic finance, the development of halal food industry and Islamic fashion industry globally.

In addition, the WIEF will also discuss access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and their integration through digital platforms into the global economy, the development of crowd funding platform, encouraging innovation by connecting startup businesses with large enterprises, and the development of a culture of business design thinking.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the WIEF Foundation, Tun Musa Hitam, said the event has a theme of "Decentralization of Growth and Empowering the Future Business."

According to him, Indonesia is a growing market with strong economic fundamentals and has a number of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that have a potential to expand globally.

Indonesia can also be a major player in the Sharia economy which continues to grow rapidly. This was because the country is a strong market in the ASEAN region, has the largest Muslim population in the world and is one of the important players in the global economic growth scenario.

A number of heads of state and delegates from 100 countries are expected to participate in the WIEF forum and provide innovative and sustainable solutions to many business challenges.
(Uu.KR-LWA/INE/KR-BSR/B003)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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