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About D-8

D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation

A nine-nation economic forum advancing global trade, sustainable development, and shared prosperity across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The Organization

Global Forum for Developing Economies

A collaborative bloc of nine developing economies — shaping the future of trade, industry, and sustainable growth since the 1997 Istanbul Declaration.

01Overview

An Economic Forum of Nine Nations

The D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation is an international economic forum comprising eight developing nations with majority Muslim populations: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Türkiye.

In 2025, Azerbaijan officially joined as the ninth member, further strengthening D-8's position as one of the most dynamic emerging economic blocs in the world.

02A Brief History

From Vision to Action

The concept for the D-8 was first proposed by Prof. Dr. Necmettin Erbakan, the then Prime Minister of Türkiye, during a seminar titled "Cooperation in Development" held in Istanbul in October 1996.

This vision was formally realized on June 15, 1997, through the Istanbul Declaration, establishing the D-8 as an international organization for economic cooperation — later forming partnerships with the UN and the OIC.

1997Established · Istanbul Declaration
9Member Nations
UN · OICStrategic Partners
IstanbulSecretariat HQ
  1. Economic Diversification

    Creating new opportunities across various industrial sectors to reduce reliance on traditional markets.

  2. Trade Innovation

    Paving the way for more dynamic trade relations among member states.

  3. Global Influence

    Increasing the participation and voice of member nations in international decision-making processes.

  4. Improved Livelihoods

    Ensuring that economic growth directly impacts the welfare and standard of living of the people.

The Six Priority Sectors

Pillars of the Future Economy

D-8 cooperation is comprehensive, covering the key pillars that underpin sustainable, shared growth across member states.

Trade

Removal of trade barriers through robust legal instruments.

Industry

Collaborative manufacturing, SMEs, and the Halal industry.

Agriculture

Food security and agricultural technology cooperation.

Energy

Energy security and the development of renewable energy.

Transportation

Efficient logistical connectivity across continents.

Tourism

Cultural exchange and world-class tourist destinations.

Member Profiles

9 Pillars of Global Growth

The D-8 unites geographic diversity from Southeast Asia to West Africa — a collective of nine emerging economies shaping the next chapter of global trade.

Host · Summit 2026ID
Southeast Asia

Indonesia

The largest economy in Southeast Asia and a global hub for the Halal industry. Hosting the D-8 Summit 2026 and the D-8 Halal Expo Indonesia 2026.

South AsiaBD

Bangladesh

Key player in global manufacturing and textile exports.

North AfricaEG

Egypt

Strategic trade hub bridging Africa and Asia.

West AsiaIR

Iran

Excellence in energy, technology, and natural resources.

Southeast AsiaMY

Malaysia

Pioneer in Islamic finance and Halal certification.

West AfricaNG

Nigeria

Largest African economy with vast consumer potential.

South AsiaPK

Pakistan

Strong agricultural sector and a young, dynamic workforce.

EurasiaTR

Türkiye

Modern manufacturing hub bridging Europe and Asia.

CaucasusAZ

Azerbaijan

Newest member (2025), strengthening Caucasus connectivity.

Significant Milestones

Achievements Through the Decades

Over nearly three decades, the D-8 has reached several historical milestones that have shaped its global standing.

01
2014

UN Observer Status

Granted observer status at the UN General Assembly, strengthening diplomatic legitimacy.

02
Active

D-8 Preferential Trade Agreement

Implementation of trade agreements that significantly reduce tariffs among member states.

03
Active

Visa & Customs Agreements

Simplified business visa and customs procedures to accelerate mobility of professionals and goods.

04
Ongoing

Strategic Partnerships

Active collaboration with UNCTAD, UNIDO, and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

The Summit

The Pinnacle of Economic Diplomacy

The D-8 Summit is the supreme organ of the organization, serving as the highest-level assembly where Heads of State and Government from member nations convene. Held biennially, this prestigious forum acts as the ultimate decision-making body, setting the strategic direction and policy frameworks that guide the D-8's evolution as a global economic force.

Halal Economy

Championing the Global Halal Economy

Within the D-8 framework, the halal economy has emerged as a rapidly growing sector with strong potential to enhance trade, investment, and collaboration among member states. D-8 nations collectively represent a significant share of the global halal market — spanning culinary products, fashion, pharmaceuticals, education, and Islamic finance — established to promote sustainable development and strengthen global economic cooperation.

At its highest level, the D-8 Summit serves as a premier forum where world leaders align policies and establish strategic trade partnerships to transform economic visions into actionable strategies for shared global progress. With Indonesia hosting the D-8 Summit in 2026, a new chapter of global economic synergy is unfolding, positioning the nation at the heart of the global halal ecosystem.

Strategic Goals & Objectives

Accelerating Economic Integration

The primary objective of the D-8 Summit is to foster high-level political will to accelerate economic integration. The summit aims to:

01

Establish Policy Frameworks

Approving major agreements and declarations that facilitate smoother trade and investment flows.

02

Strengthen Collective Resilience

Developing unified strategies to address global economic shifts and stay competitive on the world stage.

03

Expand Global Reach

Setting trade targets and building strategic alliances with other international organizations and non-member states.

  1. Leaders' Declaration

    Issuance of formal communiqués (e.g., Istanbul or Dhaka Declarations) outlining the next chapter of cooperation.

  2. Ministerial Council Meetings

    Ministers of Foreign Affairs and relevant sectors refine the technical aspects of cooperation.

  3. Side Events & Business Forums

    Platforms like the D-8 Halal Expo and Business Councils connect government policies with real business opportunities.

  4. International Accords

    Signing crucial treaties such as the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and Visa Simplification.

Why the Summit Matters

Transforming Vision Into Reality

Commitment is Synchronized

Member states align national policies with the collective goals of the D-8.

Obstacles are Removed

High-level dialogue resolves complex trade barriers that cannot be solved at a technical level alone.

Future-Proofing the Economy

The summit identifies emerging sectors—digital and Halal economies—to lead the next wave of growth.

Indonesia 2026

Indonesia at the Helm: Driving the Halal Agenda Forward

As the holder of the D-8 Presidency for 2026–2027, Indonesia takes on a strategic role in advancing the halal economic agenda on the global stage. This momentum is realized through the organization of the D-8 Halal Expo Indonesia 2026, an international platform that brings together industry players, investors, and stakeholders from across D-8 member states to collectively build a stronger and more competitive halal ecosystem.

Your Gateway to International Authority

A strategic B2B2G exhibition, D-8 Halal Expo Indonesia 2026 is a part of the D-8 Summit, driving global halal trade and cooperation. More than just an exhibition, it is a global sourcing platform designed to bridge high-level diplomacy with real-sector industries.

1.2 Billion+
Combined Consumer Market
USD 5 Trillion+
Combined GDP Across D-8

Be part of this historic momentum. Take your place in the global halal ecosystem and expand your business reach with us.

Secure Your Spot