Tatarstan Cabinet Discusses the Organisation of KazanForum
Tatarstan Cabinet Discusses the Organisation of KazanForum
12 May
On 12 May 2026, a briefing on the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” was held at the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Tatarstan.
The briefing was opened by Talia Minullina, Head of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency. Highlighting the Forum's significance, she noted the substantial work carried out by the Forum's Organising Committee.
The business programme of KazanForum 2026 includes 149 events across 21 thematic tracks: Islamic finance, the halal industry, construction, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, international trade, education, culture and media.
High‑level delegations, honorary guests and representatives of international business are expected to attend.
“We currently have 103 countries registered in our system. That is a record for us! I would like to note that heads of state and several dozen foreign ministers from various sectors are coming to Kazan. All information about our honorary guests is available on the Forum's website,” said the Head of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency.
A major focus of the Forum will be cross‑country events, including the Russia‑Indonesia and Russia‑Mali Intergovernmental Commissions (IGCs), a meeting of the co‑chairs of the Russia‑Tajikistan IGC, and the third meeting of the Russian‑Malaysian Working Group on Tourism.
The Forum will also host the International Exhibition of Cooperation between Russia and the Islamic World, the International Property Market (IPM) Exhibition and Conference, the International Exhibition “Projects of Russia: Innovation. Investment. Infrastructure”, and the Kazan Halal Market International Trade Fair.
“This is an unprecedented event – we have gone international with concrete investment proposals from Russia. The exhibition features 152 investment and infrastructure projects presented in English, 24 of which are from Tatarstan,” emphasised Talia Minullina.
The key event of the Forum's business programme will be the plenary session “From Points on the Map to Growth Points: Uniting Technological and Financial Initiatives”.
At the conclusion of the Forum, more than 116 agreements are expected to be signed, including 74 international agreements – ranging from investment projects to humanitarian initiatives.
This year, the Forum's business agenda will be expanded by the Third International Young Chefs of Islamic Countries Competition named after Yunus Akhmetzyanov, the “Business on Horseback” horse race, and the International Jockeys' Championship.
On the margins of the Forum, a meeting of the “Russia – Islamic World” Strategic Visioning Group will take place. Marat Gatin, Aide to the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan and Deputy Chairman of the “Russia – Islamic World” Strategic Visioning Group, noted that the Group is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. He emphasised that under the leadership of the Rais of Tatarstan, the platform has grown into a major international cooperation venue.
“Over its two decades of existence, it has become a serious platform for building Russia's engagement with the countries of the Islamic world in politics, economics, science, education, culture, religion and media. The Republic of Tatarstan plays an important role in the Group's activities, serving as a natural hub for intercultural and interreligious dialogue,” the Aide noted.
The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan, Irada Ayupova, delivered a welcome address at the briefing. According to the Minister, this year's second Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC member states will be held. Participation has been confirmed by 38 official delegations from 28 countries and 4 international organisations. The XV session of the ICESCO General Conference will also take place during the Forum, with the participation of ministers from member states and their authorised representatives. Concluding her remarks, the Minister of Culture of Tatarstan outlined the rich cultural programme accompanying KazanForum – concerts, exhibitions and a mapping show on the walls of the Kazan Kremlin.
The briefing also featured Maxim Denisov, Director General of the ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects”. His presentation covered participant accreditation, volunteer activities, transport arrangements and the official Forum mobile application. Maxim Denisov paid particular attention to the extensive sports programme prepared for the event's guests.
The briefing was opened by Talia Minullina, Head of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency. Highlighting the Forum's significance, she noted the substantial work carried out by the Forum's Organising Committee.
The business programme of KazanForum 2026 includes 149 events across 21 thematic tracks: Islamic finance, the halal industry, construction, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, international trade, education, culture and media.
High‑level delegations, honorary guests and representatives of international business are expected to attend.
“We currently have 103 countries registered in our system. That is a record for us! I would like to note that heads of state and several dozen foreign ministers from various sectors are coming to Kazan. All information about our honorary guests is available on the Forum's website,” said the Head of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency.
A major focus of the Forum will be cross‑country events, including the Russia‑Indonesia and Russia‑Mali Intergovernmental Commissions (IGCs), a meeting of the co‑chairs of the Russia‑Tajikistan IGC, and the third meeting of the Russian‑Malaysian Working Group on Tourism.
The Forum will also host the International Exhibition of Cooperation between Russia and the Islamic World, the International Property Market (IPM) Exhibition and Conference, the International Exhibition “Projects of Russia: Innovation. Investment. Infrastructure”, and the Kazan Halal Market International Trade Fair.
“This is an unprecedented event – we have gone international with concrete investment proposals from Russia. The exhibition features 152 investment and infrastructure projects presented in English, 24 of which are from Tatarstan,” emphasised Talia Minullina.
The key event of the Forum's business programme will be the plenary session “From Points on the Map to Growth Points: Uniting Technological and Financial Initiatives”.
At the conclusion of the Forum, more than 116 agreements are expected to be signed, including 74 international agreements – ranging from investment projects to humanitarian initiatives.
This year, the Forum's business agenda will be expanded by the Third International Young Chefs of Islamic Countries Competition named after Yunus Akhmetzyanov, the “Business on Horseback” horse race, and the International Jockeys' Championship.
On the margins of the Forum, a meeting of the “Russia – Islamic World” Strategic Visioning Group will take place. Marat Gatin, Aide to the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan and Deputy Chairman of the “Russia – Islamic World” Strategic Visioning Group, noted that the Group is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. He emphasised that under the leadership of the Rais of Tatarstan, the platform has grown into a major international cooperation venue.
“Over its two decades of existence, it has become a serious platform for building Russia's engagement with the countries of the Islamic world in politics, economics, science, education, culture, religion and media. The Republic of Tatarstan plays an important role in the Group's activities, serving as a natural hub for intercultural and interreligious dialogue,” the Aide noted.
The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan, Irada Ayupova, delivered a welcome address at the briefing. According to the Minister, this year's second Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC member states will be held. Participation has been confirmed by 38 official delegations from 28 countries and 4 international organisations. The XV session of the ICESCO General Conference will also take place during the Forum, with the participation of ministers from member states and their authorised representatives. Concluding her remarks, the Minister of Culture of Tatarstan outlined the rich cultural programme accompanying KazanForum – concerts, exhibitions and a mapping show on the walls of the Kazan Kremlin.
The briefing also featured Maxim Denisov, Director General of the ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects”. His presentation covered participant accreditation, volunteer activities, transport arrangements and the official Forum mobile application. Maxim Denisov paid particular attention to the extensive sports programme prepared for the event's guests.
