More Than 1,400 Delegates Attend Major Islamic Development Bank Summit in Azerbaijan

The Islamic Development Bank Group convened its 14th Private Sector Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, gathering global stakeholders to advance trade, investment and sustainable development across member countries.

Held at the Baku Convention Center under the high patronage of His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, the forum formed part of the group’s annual meetings and reinforced cooperation between public and private sector actors.

The event brought together more than 1,400 participants from 60 countries, including government officials, investors, business leaders, financial institutions and development organizations. The focus was on strengthening economic partnerships and expanding access to development financing.

The program included 17 events and panel discussions featuring more than 70 speakers and 40 exhibitors, highlighting initiatives in trade facilitation, investment promotion and risk management.

Private Sector Role in Development

Discussions throughout the forum emphasized the role of the private sector as a key driver of inclusive economic growth. Participants explored strategies to reduce investment barriers and improve financing mechanisms across member countries.

Institutions within the IsDB Group presented financing tools including trade support, investment insurance, export credit services and private sector development programs designed to strengthen economic resilience.

For the fourth consecutive year, the forum also presented the Private Sector Award, recognizing companies and financial institutions contributing to economic development, innovation and sustainable growth.

Agreements and Economic Cooperation

A total of 32 agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed, valued at more than 4.7 billion US dollars, aimed at expanding investment cooperation and supporting development projects across multiple sectors.

The forum also featured a startup competition with more than 220 participants, alongside over 250 bilateral meetings between businesses, investors and government representatives to strengthen trade and partnership opportunities.

Leaders from ICIEC, ICD and ITFC highlighted their organizations’ contributions to trade finance, investment insurance and private sector development, reporting significant cumulative financing and support across member states.

Closing discussions focused on improving access to finance, supporting entrepreneurship and strengthening sustainable development frameworks across emerging markets.