The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDB Institute) has concluded a three-day bespoke Islamic banking and finance capacity-building program which was aimed at bankers and financial sector experts from the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Held from 11-13 February 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the program, organised under the theme “Creating Value and Realising Business Opportunities in Islamic Finance,” saw collaboration between the IsDB Institute and Islamic Business and Finance LLC of Uzbekistan.
Focusing on fostering competitiveness and innovation in Shari’ah-compliant financial products tailored for Uzbekistan’s financial landscape, the program hosted 16 participants who engaged in a series of 10 sessions. These sessions encompassed nine technical training modules covering various aspects of Islamic banking and finance, alongside a panel discussion on integrating digital technologies into Islamic finance.
Acting Director General of the IsDB Institute, Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, led the sessions which featured a diverse lineup of speakers including Dr. Hilal Houssain, Dr. Abozer Mohamed, Mr. Syed Faiq Najeeb, and Mr. Mohamed Naamani from the IsDB Institute. Additionally, support was provided by IsDB Group Entities through Mr. Muhammad Adnan bin Hasan (ICD) and Mr. Lotfi Zairi (ICIEC). External expert trainers, Mr. Hamza Khalid Bawazir from the Saudi National Bank (SNB) and Dr. Farrukh Habib from Alif Technologies (UAE), enriched the program with their insights.
The curriculum delved into crucial areas such as structuring Islamic banking products, retail financing, and the integration of modern technologies like blockchain and digital assets into financial operations. Participants actively engaged in discussions on the role of different stakeholders in harnessing Islamic finance solutions to address contemporary economic challenges.
The program aimed to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, empowering them to contribute significantly to the growth and development of Uzbekistan’s Islamic finance sector. Through such initiatives, the IsDB Institute continues to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange, driving the advancement of Islamic finance globally.
Source: APO Group
By Derrick Kafui Deti – Digital Economy Magazine
