OIC roundup: Jordan, Iraq discuss strategic economic partnerships
Here's a roundup of key developments across the OIC ecosystem during the month of February.
Editor's Note: Energy and food cooperation has come to the fore across the OIC ecosystem, with countries discussing strategic economic partnerships.
Jordan and Iraq, for instance, are looking at projects in the food and energy sectors, while Kyrgyzstan is inviting Brunei investors to engage in energy and industrial projects. Egypt and Yemen are exploring petroleum investment opportunities, too.
Trade Developments
Kazakhstan / Saudi Arabia
Kazakhstan envoy on strengthening Saudi ties
Kazakhstan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Madiyar Menilbekov, aims to enhance Saudi-Kazakh relations in various sectors, including politics, trade, culture, tourism, and agriculture.
He noted that political ties are strong, as evidenced by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's recent official visit to Riyadh.
The ambassador highlighted the annual exchange of visitors between the two nations and emphasized the importance of strengthening trade and economic relations. (Arab News)
Jordan / Malaysia
Jordan-Malaysia in halal ecosystem development
Jordan is enhancing its halal ecosystem by partnering with Malaysia's Serunai Commerce under the Islamic Development Bank's Reverse Linkage modality.
This initiative included an 11-day Diagnostic Mission to evaluate Jordan's halal certification processes, led by IsDB and Serunai Commerce with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.
Key discussions involved various Jordanian ministries and regulatory bodies, focusing on current challenges and opportunities to improve Jordan's role in the global halal economy. (Halal Focus)
Egypt / Kuwait
Egypt, Kuwait pen minutes of 1st joint ministerial trade committee session
Egypt and Kuwait have formalized the outcomes of their first Joint Ministerial Trade Committee meeting, held in February.
The agreement was signed by Egypt’s Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Hassan El-Khatib and Kuwait’s Commerce and Industry Minister Khalifa Abdullah Al-Ajeel.
This initiative aims to bolster bilateral trade and investment, following the directives of both nations’ leaders, and is guided by the 2014 Trade and Industrial Cooperation Agreement. (Zawya)
Jordan / Iraq
Jordan, Iraq discuss strategic economic partnerships at business forum
Jordanian minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah highlighted ongoing discussions between Jordan and Iraq regarding strategic projects in the energy and food sectors during the Jordanian-Iraqi Business Forum in Baghdad.
He noted Iraq’s wheat surplus as a potential import source for Jordan, aiming to reduce reliance on other suppliers.
Qudah emphasized the deep-rooted economic ties and genuine partnership between the countries, highlighting the role of governments in enabling this relationship. (The Jordan Times)
Kyrgyzstan / Brunei
Kyrgyzstan offers Brunei cooperation in energy and halal industry
Kyrgyz president Sadyr Japarov expressed optimism for enhancing interregional cooperation between Central Asia and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), alongside fostering bilateral political dialogue.
He discussed Kyrgyzstan's reforms and infrastructure developments, including the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project.
Japarov highlighted potential partnership areas such as the energy industry, IT sector, raw material processing, and halal industry, specifically inviting Brunei investors to engage in energy and industrial projects in Kyrgyzstan, while seeking experience in halal product certification. (24 KG)
Egypt / Yemen
Egypt, Yemen explore investment opportunities in petroleum, mining
Egyptian Minister of Petroleum Karim Badawi and Yemen’s Minister of Oil and Minerals Saeed Suleiman Al-Shamasi discussed investment opportunities in petroleum and mining during the Egypt Energy Show (EGYPES 2025).
They agreed to establish a joint working team to explore cooperation. (Zawya)
Kuwait / Uzbekistan
Kuwait, Uzbekistan eye closer investment cooperation
Minister Noura Al-Fassam of Kuwait met with Uzbekistan's Minister Laziz Kudratov to discuss collaboration on enhancing trade and investment ties.
They reviewed joint action plans aimed at mutual interests. Additionally, Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is scheduled to visit Kuwait. (Zawya)
Investment
Egypt
ITFC signs $1.5bn financing program with Egypt for petroleum, food security
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) has signed a $1.5 billion financing program with the Egyptian government for 2025, aimed at supporting petroleum products and food security, according to CEO Hani Sonbol.
Additionally, a program to support Egypt's private sector, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), will provide financing lines in collaboration with Egyptian banks, including Banque Misr. (Zawya)
