Badawi calls for socio-economic uplift of Ummah

ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister of Malaysia, Abdullah Ahmed Badawi has urged for socio-economic uplift of Muslim Ummah to ensure sustainable economic growth. In an exclusive meeting with the members of International Advisory Panel (IAP) of the World Islamic Economic Forum’s Foundation here on Monday he stressed upon the need for improvement in health and education, with focus on research and development.
The Malaysian Prime Minister said that the Muslim countries should establish linkage between the Centers of Excellence in the respective countries for carrying out in-depth research studies, to identity core issues and explore new avenues for augmenting economic cooperation amongst Muslim countries.
He was of the opinion that agriculture and industrial sectors in OIC nations have great potential which could be developed to alleviate poverty and creation of new employment opportunities.
Prime Minister Badawi said that with the shared vision, dedicated and integrated efforts, OIC nation could avoid duplication and enhance productivity.
“There is an earnest need to create trust groups for specific issues, so that the level of trust and intra-dependency be augmented to the desired level” he said and added that unity was utmost need for OIC nations. Ian Buchanan, member IAP said that the participation of non-Muslim businessmen in WIEF was an encouraging sign, which would enhance the level of cooperation between Muslim and non-Muslim World.
Sir Iqbal Sacranie, member IAP from UK asserted for promoting products and services within OIC nations with more conviction. Aqeel Al-Jassem, former Secretary General Islamic Chamber of Commerce & Industry was of the opinion that OIC nations could get prosperity by promoting SMEs. To enhance cooperation in this area Pakistan and Kuwait would sign MoU.
He requested the Chairman of IAP, WIEF to consider Kuwait for hosting next WIEF. Tariq Sayeed, former President FPCCI expressed gratitude for giving Pakistan an opportunity to host 2nd WIEF.
The International Advisory Panel of WIEF, which now has legal entity, is functioning under the chairmanship of Tun Musa Hitam - Chairman, World Islamic Economic Forum Foundation and former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, accompanied by an 11-member delegation, called on President Pervez Musharraf here Monday and exchanged ways and means to strengthen bilateral relations in various fields.
They exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The two leaders also discussed matters relating to the on-going 2nd World Islamic Economic Forum.
President Musharraf told the distinguished guest that Pakistan holds in high esteem people and leadership of Malaysia and desires to intensify both economic and political cooperation.—Agencies