The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, opened its participation at the 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Baku, Azerbaijan, with a strong focus on trade finance, Islamic finance, private sector growth, and regional economic cooperation.
Led by ITFC Chief Executive Officer Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al Aama, the Corporation held high-level meetings with delegations from member countries, including Bangladesh, The Gambia, Guinea, Maldives, Senegal, Somalia, and Tajikistan. Discussions centered on expanding access to Shariah-compliant financing, strengthening trade development, and aligning ITFC support with national development priorities.
During the opening day, ITFC signed three major agreements aimed at boosting trade finance and economic resilience across member countries. A three-year US$250 million Framework Agreement was signed with The Gambia to support key sectors such as energy, food security, healthcare, agriculture value chains, and private sector financing through local financial institutions.
ITFC also signed a US$10 million Direct Murabaha Financing Facility with Tajikistan to support the purchase and trade of cotton and cotton-related products. The facility is expected to provide working capital for the cotton sector, strengthen export activity, and support rural livelihoods linked to agricultural value chains.
In another important step, ITFC signed a Confirming Bank Agreement with the International Finance Corporation to expand trade finance access across common OIC member countries. The partnership will use IFC’s risk-sharing framework and guarantees to support importers, exporters, and cross-border trade transactions.
ITFC also took part in the Halal Economy Leadership Forum 2026, where discussions highlighted the role of halal economy models, Islamic finance, and risk-resilient financing in supporting MSMEs, regional integration, and sustainable trade growth.
The opening day of ITFC’s program at the 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings placed trade finance and private sector development at the center of regional cooperation. Further agreements and engagements are expected as ITFC continues working with member countries and partners to finance essential trade and strengthen economic connectivity.
