Page 506 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - APRIL 2025 (Part 2)

The Rais also reaffirmed the role of the oil industry in Tatarstan’s economy, while highlighting
emerging sectors such as the halal industry and digital transformation in public services. These
advancements, he noted, are helping the region align with global investment and sustainability
trends.

In his closing remarks, Minnikhanov noted the importance of international collaboration,
particularly with the Islamic world. “Our partnerships with Muslim countries are strong and
growing. With Kazan set to become the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World in 2026, we look
forward to deepening these ties through innovation and shared prosperity.”

Sheikh Ebrahim bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Centre
for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, delivered a compelling message on the importance of inclusive
growth, financial empowerment, and youth development across emerging economies.

Addressing a packed audience, Sheikh Ebrahim emphasised the urgency of addressing key
socioeconomic gaps, particularly in nations with large and growing youth populations. “In countries
like ours, the challenge lies in transforming population growth into economic opportunity,” he said.
“Bahrain’s success story centers on investments in education, healthcare, and workforce
development—key pillars for empowering people and improving livelihoods.”

He drew attention to the significant barriers faced by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises
(MSMEs), particularly regarding access to finance. Stressing the need for financial inclusion, he
pointed out that marginalized groups—especially women and children—must be brought into the
fold to ensure equitable and sustained development.

Looking ahead, Sheikh Ebrahim highlighted the growth potential of regions such as Southeast Asia,
West Asia, and Africa, adding that by 2025, these regions will comprise a third of the global
consumer market. “The opportunity is immense, and we must act now to invest in these
communities and help them thrive,” he urged.
With decades of experience in collaboration with organizations such as UNIDO, he spotlighted the
Bahrain Model for entrepreneurship and innovation, currently implemented in 57 countries. He
noted the availability of financial resources—including over $1.6 trillion in the Waqf sector—as
proof that poverty stems not from scarcity, but from misallocation.

“We have the models, the tools, and the capital,” Sheikh Ebrahim concluded. “What we need now is
commitment, cooperation, and a shared vision to ensure a sustainable and inclusive future for all.”

Günther Oettinger, former Prime Minister of Baden-Württemberg and former Vice President of the
European Commission, delivered a thought-provoking address on the future of globalization, trade,
and investment amid rising geopolitical instability.

Oettinger voiced Germany and Europe’s growing concern over escalating global tensions, including
the increasing imposition of punitive tariffs and trade restrictions. “We are facing the risk of a global
trade war,” he warned. “And that is a scenario where everyone loses. What the world needs now is
de-escalation and a return to stable, rules-based globalization.”

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/15i9rm9-aim-congress-uae-underscores-longstanding