OREANDA-NEWS. March 17, 2011. Kazakhstan views Islamic countries as promising partners in economy, politics and culture realm, reads PM Karim Massimov’s address to attendees of the Conference on Islamic finance held in Astana. The message was read by Vice Prime Minister – Minister of Industry and New Technology Mr. Asset Issekeshev.

“I am confident that this conference offers substantial opportunities to discuss development of Islamic financial products [in Kazakhstan]”, the message reads.

Besides, Mr. Massimov has invited businessmen of Islamic countries to get involved in projects within the Program of Accelerated Innovative Industrial Development (PAIID).

When speaking at the conference, Mr. Issekeshev reminded that Astana would be hosting the 7th World Islamic Economic Forum in 2011. The Forum, to be hosted by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan would be held at the Palace of Independence, Astana on 7 - 9 June 2011.