Al-Ula, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 16 - 17 February 2025 – H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), participated in the Al-Ula Conference for Emerging Market Economies 2025, organized by the Ministry of Finance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the International Monetary Fund’s Regional Office in Riyadh.

Dr. Al Jasser moderated a session on "Productivity in Emerging Markets & Developing Economies (EMDEs): Challenges & Opportunities," featuring esteemed panelists. The discussion covered medium-term growth prospects, economic transformation, and AI-driven innovation.

On the sidelines of the conference, Dr. Al Jasser engaged in bilateral meetings to further strengthen partnerships. He met with H.E. Mr. Taleh Kazimov, Governor of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, to enhance collaboration in Islamic finance and Sukuk issuance.

Dr. Al Jasser reaffirmed IsDB’s commitment to supporting Azerbaijan through capacity building and technical assistance to strengthen its Islamic finance framework. He also commended Azerbaijan’s investments in IsDB Sukuk and encouraged continued engagement in this year’s issuances.

Furthermore, he met with H.E. Mr. Jamshid Kuchkarov, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan, to deepen cooperation and drive development initiatives. The meeting witnessed the signing of two flagship projects in education and transport infrastructure, further solidifying the strategic partnership.

Dr. Al Jasser also held discussions with AIIB President Mr. Jin Liqun to accelerate the implementation of the IsDB-AIIB MoU signed in January 2024. Their meeting focused on strengthening operational collaboration through pipeline exchange, enhancing synergies among multilateral development banks in Climate Policy-Based Financing, and expanding technical assistance pooling and cross-border connectivity initiatives, particularly in Central Asia and Africa. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to impactful partnerships and co-financing opportunities.