RIYADH, Sept 15: A two-day convention to boost trade among OIC states will be held in Jeddah on October 2 and 3, just before the advent of Ramazan, which is likely to begin here on October 4.

The seminar, being organized by Jeddah Chamber and Commerce is one of the major events before the next OIC summit in Makkah in November, which would discuss ways of making the OIC an effective international body.

The convention is expected to be attended by hundreds of top Muslim businessmen from across the world. Pakistan will be represented by a strong delegation headed by Minister of Privatization Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh.

“Themed ‘intra-OIC trade: challenges and opportunities,’ the forum will focus on stimulating trade, investment and cooperation among OIC countries.

Makkah governor Prince Abdul Majeed will formally inaugurate the forum.

“The driving idea behind hosting the forum is to create a ‘global business network’ that will help identify and address mutual trade and investment issues and recommend solutions to overcome obstacles facing intra-OIC trade activities,” Muhammad Al-Shareef, Secretary General of the JCCI told the press here.

“It is also intended to give ample avenues to potential companies who wish to export their products or services to foreign markets or simply help them source trade partners if they wish to procure products or services from other countries,” he added.

The Forum also includes features to facilitate direct interaction among businessmen coming from various countries.

On the sidelines of the forum, a catalogue show and a one-to-one business matching session (promotion desk) is being organized to facilitate direct interaction between visiting delegates and local companies intending to make ties with foreign partners.