(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 (KUNA) -- The 12th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) kicked off Tuesday at the Indonesian capital Jakarta, with participation of 2,500 delegates and 60 role players from over 100 countries across the globe.
The Indonesian President Joko Widodo, during the forum's opening, highlighted the importance of innovation amid fragile economic recovery and the demographic bonus of a Muslim population as a strong advantage in facing global challenges.
Speaking at the forum Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia were comparatively peaceful and stable because they have not fallen victim to foreign intervention in their affairs.
"I have always been a proponent of openness to the world and collaboration. But we must insist on respect for our own sovereignty, our own laws, and our own democratically elected governments," he said.
"We have seen the devastating results of foreign intervention in the Muslim world, often based on incomplete, wrong or partisan information. We must make clear that we reject it. And reject those who, out of political motivation, call for foreign powers to intervene in their own country," he added.
The Forum held under the title of "decentralizing, a catalyst for future entrepreneurs".
It offers a platform for delegates to discuss challenges, opportunities, and latest issues and trends surrounding the global business landscape.
It also explores the urgent role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in driving economic growth in national economies around the world, away from the previous dominance of big multinationals, to ensure employment, a resilient domestic sector and a strong economy to compete on the global arena.
The earlier forums were held in Kuala Lumpur, Islamabad, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, London, and Dubai. (end) aab.ss