Mr. Ahmed El-Wakeel, Chairman of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, and Mr. Ayman El-Askary, Chairman of the Cairo Chamber of Commerce, participated in the 41st General Assembly of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, held in Mecca, on the sidelines of the 3rd edition of the Mecca Halal Forum, with wide participation from representatives of 24 Islamic countries and business leaders.

Mr. Ahmed El-Wakeel led a high-level Egyptian delegation including several chamber presidents, businessmen, and investors, in a strategic step aimed at enhancing economic cooperation among member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Mr. Ayman El-Askary emphasized that the active Egyptian participation in the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development reflects Egypt’s pivotal role within the Islamic economic system and confirms the Egyptian business community’s commitment to expanding its international network and opening new horizons for exports and investments.

He also noted that the General Assembly meetings provide an important platform to enhance institutional cooperation and communication among chambers of commerce and the private sector in member countries, support the development of joint work mechanisms, increase intra-Islamic trade rates, and stimulate joint investments. He pointed out that the Mecca Halal Forum serves as a strategic platform for building strong economic partnerships amid global economic challenges, requiring greater integration in supply chains and deeper coordination in trade and investment policies, thereby enhancing opportunities for shared economic growth and stability. He stressed that the upcoming phase requires translating the outcomes of these meetings into clear executive steps that consolidate the role of the private sector as a key partner in achieving sustainable development in member countries.

It is worth noting that the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development is an international institution affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and represents the official and sole umbrella for the private sector in its 57 member Islamic countries. Its headquarters are located in Pakistan, with regional offices in Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. The chamber aims to enhance cooperation in trade, industry, and information technology, expand investment opportunities, and establish joint projects among member countries, with membership including national chambers, federations, and councils of commerce and industry across Islamic states.