1st NCMF International Islamic Finance Conference held

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) successfully launched its 1st International Conference on Islamic Finance with the theme “The Way Forward: Bringing the Muslim Filipinos to the ASEAN and the Muslim World.”

“The objective is to enjoin Muslim Filipinos as partners in economic growth, not only within the nation and the region but also across the wider Muslim World amidst the perennial challenges caused by conflicts in Muslim Mindanao,” NCMF Sec Yasmin Busran said.

Anak-Mindanao Party-list Rep Sitti Djaliah Hataman and Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman said they are very honored to have witnessed and been part of this conference which they see is very crucial in pushing the agenda for the development of Islamic finance in the country.

The conference focused on opportunities for developing Islamic financing, Halal market, Awqaf (endowment), Hajj (pilgrimage), Islamic microfinance, cooperatives, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Philippines.

Included are Islamic finance and industry experts from Zilzar, Tabung Hajj Alam Bhd, University Utara Malaysia ( Awqaf) and International Council of Finance Educators (Malaysia); Korea United Muslim (South Korea); Global Market Access Middle East (Dubai), the World Bank Global Islamic Finance Development Center (Istanbul, Turkey), the World Bank Office Manila, DOST XII and the Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines.

Dignitaries and officials are from the national government, international community, private sector, civil society, academe, the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), Bangsamoro Business Club, and Federation of United Mindanawan Bangsamoro Women Multi-Purpose Cooperative and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).