Susilo gets personal invite to 7th wief in Kazakhstan

JAKARTA, March 11 (Bernama) -- Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
has received an invitation to share the country's experience in transforming its
socio-economic position at the 7th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) in
Astana, Kazakhstan, in June.

"The WIEF believes that the challenges currently faced by Muslim nations can
be addressed significantly through discussions and collaborations on the
economic front.

"Indonesia's phenomenal economic growth under President Susilo and its
experience in harnessing the investment and support of the international
business community within a politically stable environment can be an example to
other muslim nations," said WIEF Foundation chairman Musa Hitam who extended
a personal invitation to Susilo here Friday.

The Indonesian president was present at the last WIEF in Kuala Lumpur where
he presented a well-received keynote address. More than 3,000 delegates from all
over the world attended the forum.

With the theme "Globalising Growth: Connect, Compete, Collaborate", this
year’s forum from June 7 to 9 seeks to highlight the pressing issues of Energy
and Food Security, Islamic Finance and Economic Empowerment and the resulting
investment opportunities available.

It is expected to attract key heads of state and government from various
continents to address their economic agenda, together with more than 2,000
participants largely from the business sector.

WIEF secretary-general Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak said since its inception, the
forum had been able to connect businesses in the Muslim countries, resulting in
many business collaborations.

"Broadly speaking, our presence and our existence as a forum is felt not
only regionally but also globally. Beyond that, we are also in the process of
undertaking what we call a WIEF regional forum," he said.