A delegation from Al-Hidaya Group visited the D-8 Secretariat from 12 to 14 December 2018. The delegation was led by Dato’ Haji Mat Hassan Bin Esa, Director of the Al-Hidaya Group (AHG).

The D-8 Secretary-General briefed the delegation about the Organization and its recent activities that includes the D-8 Industrial Park, Creative Economic Zone, Airport association, Network of Pioneers for Research and Innovation (D-8 NPRI), D-8 International University, D-8 Heath Initiative and D-8 Research Center and etc. He also mentioned the active role of D-8 Chambers of Commerce and Industry (D-8 CCI). The Plenary Assembly of D-8 CCI held on 2 November 2018 in Antalya and adopted the statute of D-8 CCI.

Director of the Group and his delegation gave details of their plan and program and made some presentations on their upcoming projects.

After the comprehensive discussion, both parties agreed to sign a Statement of Intent (SoI) to commence the cooperation between the two institutions. The Secretary-General of D-8, Ambassador Dato’ Ku Jafaar Ku Shaari and the Chief Executive Officer., Muhammad Kamil Bin Baharin signed a SoI on 14 December 2018.

The main objective of this SoI is to design and formulate the economic mechanism and integrated approach for improving the standard of living, eradication of poverty and development of sustainable programme in the D-8 Member States.

According to the SoI, both parties will encourage the following activities to promote the sustainable economic development program:
1. AHG will set up an International Foundation in Labuan, Malaysia which will facilitate the establishment of International Faith-Giving Organization (IFGO)
2. AHG will also make the necessary arrangements to support the activities and operations of the IFGO, the development of a Center of Excellence project named as WICE and the
the establishment of a Waqf Development Bank in Labuan, Malaysia.
3. AHG will also provide the premises facility called D-8 Creative Economic and Financial Center (D-8 CEFC) located in Jalan Ampang, Kula Lumpur. In addition, AHG will also invite D-8 Organization to participate in all evernts and activities organized by D-8 CFEC.