President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has met with Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) Secretary General Sheikh Yousuf Hasan Khalawi for discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in Halal trade, investment and the wider Islamic economy.
Sheikh Khalawi paid a courtesy call on the President at the President’s Office, where the two discussed opportunities to deepen economic cooperation in several areas, including capacity building, hospitality and investment.
Expanding the Halal economy was a key focus of the meeting, with discussions covering greater cooperation in Halal trade as well as opportunities to develop Halal tourism.
The talks come as countries across the Islamic world seek to expand economic activity linked to Halal products and services beyond the traditional food sector, encompassing areas such as tourism, finance, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other consumer industries.
For the Maldives, hospitality and tourism represent a particularly significant area for potential cooperation. Tourism remains the country’s largest economic sector and its main source of foreign currency earnings, while diversification of tourism products and greater investment remain important components of the country’s economic development.
The meeting also explored opportunities for capacity building and attracting investment, areas that form part of the ICCD’s broader mandate to strengthen private-sector cooperation between member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
During the courtesy call, Sheikh Khalawi presented President Muizzu with a handwritten Mushaf of the Holy Quran as a gift.
The ICCD is an international organisation affiliated with the OIC and represents private-sector businesses and entrepreneurs across 57 Islamic countries.
Established in 1977, the organisation was previously known as the Islamic Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (ICCIA) before adopting its current name.
Its work focuses on strengthening commercial, industrial and economic links between Islamic countries while facilitating investment and encouraging greater cooperation among businesses across member states.
The organisation also promotes development of the global Halal economy and supports initiatives aimed at strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Maldives is represented within the ICCD through the Maldives National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, providing a platform for the country’s private sector to engage with businesses and institutions across the wider Islamic economic community.
The latest meeting with President Muizzu centred on identifying areas where those ties could be further developed, particularly through investment, hospitality and Halal trade.
