Baku to host Islamic Development Bank private sector forum 2026

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group will hold its 14th Private Sector Forum (PSF 2026) in Baku from June 16–19, bringing together more than 1,500 participants to discuss investment, trade, and economic cooperation across member states.

The forum will take place at the Baku Convention Centre and will be organised by IsDB Group entities, including the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), and the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), in partnership with the IsDB Group Business Forum (THIQAH), Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

The event will be held as part of the IsDB Group Annual Meetings and will be conducted under the high patronage of President Ilham Aliyev, with the participation of Azerbaijan’s Economy Ministry and the Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO).

Under the theme “Regional Integration for Sustainable Prosperity,” PSF 2026 aims to strengthen the role of the private sector in driving sustainable economic growth, expanding trade and investment flows, and enhancing cooperation among IsDB member countries.

Organisers say the forum comes at a time when regional value chains and economic resilience are becoming increasingly important, positioning the event as a key platform for business leaders, policymakers, and investors to explore new opportunities and deepen economic ties.

The agenda will focus on strategic sectors such as infrastructure, energy, technology, healthcare, and finance. The programme will include high-level panel discussions, B2B and B2G meetings, startup engagement sessions, and knowledge-sharing events designed to support SMEs and promote innovation-led growth.

Alongside discussions, PSF 2026 will feature an exhibition showcasing investment projects and business opportunities, as well as a startup competition aimed at highlighting innovative enterprises. The forum will also host the fourth edition of the IsDB Group Excellence Awards, recognising contributions to economic development and trade facilitation.

Senior executives from IsDB Group entities, including ICIEC CEO Dr Khalid Khalafalla (also acting CEO of ICD) and ITFC CEO Engineer Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, are expected to participate alongside government officials, corporate leaders, development institutions, and investors.

By Sabina Mammadli