The Indonesia 2026 Economic Summit marked a notable development with the announcement of the establishment of the B57+ Asia-Pacific Regional Headquarters. The move represents a strategic expansion of the B57+ Business Leaders Initiative as a private sector–driven platform. Launched under the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD), the initiative seeks to strengthen economic integration among Islamic countries. It also aims to deepen their connection with the broader global economy.
President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, Abdullah Saleh Kamel, highlighted the Asia-Pacific branch as a critical step in turning cooperation into action. He framed the expansion as a shift from coordination-based partnerships toward projects with measurable developmental impact. According to Kamel, the initiative responds to structural weaknesses that have long limited economic collaboration. These weaknesses persist despite the scale and potential of Islamic economies.
Kamel pointed to the low level of trade among members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which currently stands at around one-fifth of total trade. He attributed this gap to regulatory divergence, fragmented private sector representation, and weak communication between governments and businesses. The B57+ platform is designed to address these barriers through sustained public–private engagement. Its objective is to translate policy frameworks into expanded trade, investment flows, and job creation.
Beyond OIC members, the initiative extends to countries with significant Muslim populations and global centers of Islamic finance and trade. The plus sign in its name reflects an inclusive vision that connects emerging markets beyond narrow geopolitical interests. Kamel described this as a qualitative shift in the private sector’s role, from passive participation to active impact creation. Looking ahead, B57+ is expected to harmonize economic policies and convert agreements into tangible projects that strengthen the Islamic economy’s global standing.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
