Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Chairman Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser called for more investment in infrastructure, digital transformation, trade, and empowering women and youth across OIC member countries during his keynote address at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Business Leaders’ Summit in Istanbul, the IsDB said. Speaking on “Private Sector as a Strategic Partner for Sustainable Development,” Dr. Al Jasser pointed out that businesses across the OIC region are already driving employment, innovation, and social progress.
The private sector—including small businesses and large corporations—creates over 90% of jobs and contributes most of the value added across the region. But big challenges are holding growth back: regulatory complexity, high financing costs, fragmented markets, and poor infrastructure. Dr. Al Jasser said these challenges need to be tackled head-on to unlock the sector’s full potential.
Investing in infrastructure, digital transformation, trade, and empowering youth and women won’t just shape better policies—it will usher in a new era of public-private partnership, he said. As IsDB Group Chairman, Dr. Al Jasser reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to promoting private sector development across member countries. Through its key entities—ICD, ICIEC, and ITFC—the Group mobilizes resources, shares expertise, and cuts investment risks to help businesses grow sustainably.
By the end of Q3 this year, the IsDB Group had put over $24 billion into financing and insurance coverage, helping pull in more than $10 billion through strategic partnerships. Dr. Al Jasser wrapped up by saying that fostering private sector development remains a priority under the Group’s five-year strategy, showing its commitment to building a resilient and inclusive economic future across the OIC region.
