KARACHI, July 5: A meeting at the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) here on Tuesday suggested the formation of trade groups and development of resources amongst Muslim countries and setting up of a Muslim chamber of minerals for better marketing of minerals.

Former Malaysian deputy prime minister and World Islamic Economic Forum co-chairman Tan Sri Musa Hitam, who led a delegation of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI) in the meeting with Pakistani businessmen and some diplomats of Muslim countries, called for practical ideas based on mutual benefit of Islamic countries.

“At every forum new ideas come but there is no follow-up or execution which has also marred the image of Islamic states’ forums,” he added.

He agreed to a proposal from a Pakistani businessman about the establishment of a Muslim chamber of minerals.

ICCI secretary-general Aqeel A. Al-Jassem seconded the idea and said: “If 15 Pakistani businessmen come forward, I would request other Muslim countries to follow.”

The secretary-general highlighted the objective of the World Islamic Economic Forum that aimed at strengthening economic and business cooperation amongst Muslim communities.

Participants of the forum will find ample opportunities to foster networking and alliances with leading international business executives and potential leaders. —APP