Preparations for the 24th session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC) in Istanbul, Turkey are being made in which members of the Organization of Islamic Conference will meet to discuss the causes of the deepening global financial crisis.

The meeting, which will be held on 23 Shawwal 1429H (23 October 2008) will be inaugurated by the Honorable Abdullah Gul, President of Turkey and President of COMCEC, and will feature ministers of trade of OIC member countries as well as the esteemed presence of Islamic Development Bank Group President Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Ali.

Issues to be raised during the meeting include the economic impact of raising the price of goods in member countries, the global food crisis and ways in which to tackle the crisis, the improvement of food safety in member countries, alleviation of poverty, and ways in which to support the economic development and technical assistance in order to overcome the challenges member countries face.

The committee will discuss the suggested implementation mechanisms for member countries through programs in professional training and education in addition to tools for improving the investment climate in member countries.

Additionally among the most significant events occurring at the sidelines of the COMCEC is the 12th International Business Forum and the 12th International Musiad Trade Fair which is organized by the Turkish Association of Independent Business and Industry in the Turkish Republic from 19-26 Shawwal 1429H (19-26 October 2008) in addition to the meetings of the entrepreneurs of the member countries of the OIC which is organized by the Islamic Conference Youth Forum for Dialogue and Cooperation.