Morocco Potential Host of 2018 World Islamic Economic Forum

Morocco’s leading economic activity in Africa has made it a potential host for future editions of the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF), says forum chairman Tun Musa Hitam.

Upon the closure of the 13th annual WIEF, Musa Hatim said that Morocco is a suitable destination to host upcoming forums. “Morocco is a leader in economic development in the region [Africa]” explained the chairman of the business-centered forum.

The 13th annual of the forum saw a presence of a Moroccan delegation composed of Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani, Minister of Governance Lahcen Daoudi, and the Moroccan ambassador for Malaysia, Mohamed Reda Ben Khaldoun, as well as journalists and other participants.

Hatim said that his discussions with El Othmani have shown that Morocco is interested in WIEF’s “business strategy.”

A source from the organizing committee told Morocco World News that the fact that El Othmani was invited to speak at the forum is an indicator that Morocco will host the event next year.

Musa Hitam previously indicated in a press conference in Rabat that “Morocco is undoubtedly developing. The country’s interest in diversifying its business models proves that it is [determined] on pushing boundaries further, with Islamic Banking becoming a growing trend in Morocco.”

“The WIEF could help the country push its boundaries even further, particularly since it brings together experts and stakeholders in the domain, open to share knowledge and build networks,” he continued.

The World Islamic Economic Forum was held November 21 to 23 in Kuching, Malaysia, bringing together 17,000 forum members, including heads of state and business leaders from both the Muslim and non-Muslim worlds, to discuss the impacts and challenges of “disruptive change.”