Central Asia's Islamic Economy in Focus

A high-level roundtable titled "Islamic Economics and Halal in Central Asia: Current Realities and the Way Forward" was held during the 3rd Global Islamic Economy Summit in Istanbul, bringing together leading experts, policymakers, and regional stakeholders to discuss the future of the Islamic economy across Central Asia. The discussion focused on assessing institutional readiness, mobilizing Islamic capital, unlocking opportunities within the halal industry, and developing a distinct Central Asian model for Islamic economics that reflects the region’s unique economic and cultural landscape. During the session, Yousef Hassan Khalawi, Secretary General of the AlBaraka Forum for Islamic Economy, emphasized that Central Asia represents a promising emerging market with significant potential to become an active contributor to the global Islamic economy. He highlighted the region’s strategic position and growing opportunities to support sustainable economic development and strengthen its integration into the international Islamic economy ecosystem. The roundtable concluded with a shared commitment to fostering regional collaboration, strengthening institutional frameworks, and advancing the halal sector as key pillars for accelerating the growth of the Islamic economy in Central Asia.