ICDPS

ICD organized a side event titled “Connecting SMEs to Regional Value and Supply Chains,” held on the sidelines of the IsDB Group Annual Meetings and the Private Sector Forum in Baku.

Dr. Khalid Khalafalla, Acting CEO of ICD, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting ICD’s commitment to strengthening SME participation in regional value and supply chains by addressing practical barriers related to access to finance, trade facilitation, logistics coordination, and cross-border market connectivity.

He emphasized that enabling SMEs to execute orders reliably, access new markets, and compete beyond borders is essential to advancing private sector development, deepening regional integration, and promoting sustainable prosperity across IsDB member countries.

At ICD, we believe it is our duty to support financial institutions in enhancing their services and making Islamic finance more accessible to the business community.

Through close collaboration with our partners, ICD teams continue to build promising partnerships that expand access to finance, empower SMEs and entrepreneurs, and create meaningful impact across our member countries.

Together, we are strengthening the role of financial institutions as key enablers of sustainable private sector development.

On the sidelines of the IsDB Group Annual Meetings and the Private Sector Forum, ICD organized a side event under the theme:

“Connecting SMEs to Regional Value and Supply Chains.”

The session brought together key stakeholders to address the operational barriers that limit SMEs’ ability to participate reliably in regional supply chains, particularly in areas such as order ex*****on, cost, compliance, delivery timelines, and cross-border predictability.

Discussions focused on practical solutions, including Shariah-compliant Lines of Finance aligned with real commercial cycles, digital trade facilitation measures, and logistics coordination to strengthen SME connectivity to regional markets.

Through this dialogue, ICD reaffirmed its commitment to supporting SME growth, expanding market access, and deepening economic integration across IsDB member countries.

Watch the session: https://bit.ly/4xASAY5

A significant step toward strengthening local-currency financing in emerging markets.

ICD and TCX have joined forces to develop an Islamic finance-compatible non-deliverable hedging solution that addresses foreign exchange risk and supports sustainable financing opportunities across ICD Member Countries.

By combining ICD's expertise in Islamic finance with TCX's leadership in frontier market currencies, this partnership aims to unlock new pathways for development finance and private sector growth.

ICD celebrates the development champions who work closely and tirelessly toward advancing private sector development across our member countries.

From ICD staff to stakeholders, partners, beneficiaries, and the wider business community, every contribution plays an important role in creating meaningful and sustainable impact.

This is a reminder that great achievements are always the result of collective efforts, shared commitment, and strong partnerships working together toward a common development vision.

Thank you to all participants, speakers, and partners who joined the side event “Cross-Border Infrastructure PPPs for Regional Connectivity.”

Your valuable insights and active engagement contributed to meaningful discussions on advancing regional connectivity through sustainable infrastructure partnerships and innovative PPP solutions.

We Are Live Now Live 📡

Join the side event “Connecting SMEs to Regional Value and Supply Chains” 🌍
An engaging discussion bringing together industry leaders, experts, and development partners to explore practical solutions for empowering SMEs, enhancing regional trade, and strengthening supply chain connectivity.

Be part of the conversation shaping the future of sustainable economic growth and private sector development.

Watch it LIVE here: https://youtube.com/live/KzDtdTVikW4?feature=share

On the sideline of the 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Baku, Azerbaijan, ICD organized the session “Connecting Regions: Cross-Border Infrastructure PPPs in Practice” during the Private Sector Forum.

The session brought together ministers, DFIs, MDBs, private investors, and policy experts to discuss practical ways to structure, finance, and de-risk cross-border PPPs that support regional connectivity.

Discussions highlighted the role of Shariah-compliant finance, blended finance, and guarantee instruments in unlocking bankable infrastructure opportunities across IsDB member countries.

Watch the session: https://www.youtube.com/live/QJMcHCr2RFs?si=H-UjyLyfr7lUQZ7w

During the Private Sector Forum in Baku, ICD and Azerconnect Group signed a mandate letter for a USD 20 million Shariah-compliant facility to support Azerconnect Group’s capital expenditure program and telecom infrastructure expansion in Azerbaijan.

The proposed facility will contribute to strengthening Azerbaijan’s telecom infrastructure, supporting the country’s digitization agenda, and enabling further development of essential digital services. It also reflects ICD’s continued commitment to mobilizing Islamic finance for strategic sectors that drive private sector growth, job creation, economic diversification, and sustainable development.

Read more: https://icd-ps.org/en/news/icd-signs-mandate-letter-with-azerconnect-group-for-a-usd-20-million-shariah-compliant-financing-to-advance-telecom-infrastructure-in-azerbaijan