KUALA LUMPUR – Global acceptance of the Islamic brand is growing at a rapid pace based on the keen interest shown by international firms to participate in the World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) 2010.

The proven success of the event over the past five years has already attracted over 40 countries for the WIEF this year, said WIEF Foundation chairman Musa Hitam said at the event launch here today.

The confirmed countries included Brunei, Indonesia, Senegal, Syria, Maldives, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Netherland, Canada and Mauritius, he said.

To be held here from May 18 to 20, the forum is expected to be attended by about 2,000 participants, comprising country leaders and members of the global business community.

Musa said most of these countries joining the forum, especially the Muslim countries, needed special attention and opportunities to share ideas and promote possible business ventures.

"In this environment, where the global economy seems to be stabilising, among most Muslim countries, the situation is still bad simply because when we talk about economic improvement, it always depends on the world's leading economies such as the United States, China, Europe and other advanced countries," he said.

Developing nations neglected

"The developing countries of the Muslim world have totally been neglected. They have been forced to look after themselves and look for opportunities during uncertain economic conditions," he said.

"So, these countries need special attention and opportunities and this is why a forum like this will help them."

According to Musa, those countries don't even know where to start and so that is why they are keen to participate in the Islamic economic forum.

"Many of them are in need of a much more constructive approach to develop themselves and that's why they are coming here to exchange views," he said.

"And out of this, you can be sure that there will be a lot of ideas coming out, either at government level, government-to-government or more important, within the context of ordinary businesses from the countries concerned."

Musa said Malaysia, which has always been at the forefront of the Islamic brand, is well-positioned within the Islamic world and able to facilitate those Muslim countries that needed help.

"Malaysia is performing better as compared to other OIC (Organisation of Islamic Conference) countries and this is simply because we are blessed with natural resources," he said.

With theme of "Gearing for Economic Resurgence", the WIEF 2010 will be opened by Prime Minister Najib Razak at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

The highlights will include a leadership panel to discuss leadership challenges in the new era, the global chief executive officer panel, a special leaders dialogue on climate change, a signature "Countries in Focus" session showcasing investment opportunities in selected developing OIC countries, and eight parallel sessions.

It will also preceded by the Businesswomen Forum, the Young Leaders Forum and an exhibition to be opened by Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin. — Bernama