ISLAMABAD: The Russian Federation has invited Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shahbaz Sharif, to participate in the 16th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: Kazan Forum,” scheduled to take place from May 13 to 18 in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan. The forum presents significant opportunities for commercial and socio-cultural collaboration between Pakistan and Russia.
According to sources, Russian authorities have officially dispatched the invitation and are looking forward to hosting Prime Minister Sharif at the prestigious event. The forum aims to enhance trade, economic, scientific, technical, educational, social, and cultural ties between Russia and the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). As a key OIC member, Pakistan has strengthened its engagement with Russia, and this growing cooperation will be further reinforced at the Kazan Forum.
The 2025 edition of Kazan Forum will feature over 100 sessions and events covering topics such as international cooperation, business, Islamic finance, the Halal industry, transport and logistics, science and technology, IT, construction, medicine, education, tourism, culture, and media.
One of the major highlights of the forum will be the first-ever Congress of OIC Ministers of Culture in Russia. The event holds special significance as Kazan has been designated the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2026, a decision made in Jeddah in February 2025.
Another key event will be the annual international conference of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) under the theme “Islamic Finance and Investment: Promoting Sustainable Development and Global Partnership.” This will be the first time the conference is held in Russia.
Other notable events at Kazan Forum 2025 include a meeting of transport ministers, discussions on the North-South International Transport Corridor, a conference on transport logistics development, the International Property Market 2025 real estate exhibition, the Russia Halal Expo, and the Islamic Fashion Festival “Modest Fashion Day.” Additionally, there will be a Young Chefs Tournament for Islamic Countries, special media-focused sessions, and a forum for Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Pakistan and Russia share multiple avenues for cooperation, particularly in trade. Over the past five years, bilateral trade has grown by 1.5 times, aided by the launch of the St. Petersburg-Karachi sea route. Russia remains a key exporter of food, agricultural products, and mineral fertilizers to Pakistan, with future expansions in grain supply expected to boost Pakistan’s food security.
Both nations also collaborate within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), with mutual interests in strengthening industrial cooperation, creating independent financial systems, and expanding transport and logistics networks. The modernization of the Quetta-Taftan railway and the expansion of maritime freight traffic are among the key infrastructure projects under consideration.
Educational and cultural ties between Pakistan and Russia are also on the rise. Last year, Russia increased budget quotas for Pakistani students by 11%, with medicine, construction, mechanical engineering, and economics being the most sought-after fields of study.
Kazan Forum 2024 attracted over 20,000 participants, including nearly 12,000 business representatives from 87 countries, with 57 OIC nations in attendance. The event facilitated 120 agreements, hosting diplomatic representatives from Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Talia Minullina, Head of the Investment Development Agency of Tatarstan and Secretary of the Republican Organizing Committee for Kazan Forum, emphasized the forum’s role as a platform for business, investment, and economic cooperation.
“Kazan Forum has established itself as a key venue for signing agreements and fostering partnerships that lead to joint ventures, scientific exchanges, and industrial collaborations. This aligns with the forum’s motto—‘Trust and Cooperation,’” she stated.
Pakistan’s participation in Kazan Forum 2025 is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations with Russia and enhance trade and investment opportunities.
