Baku: Trade finance is increasingly pivotal in today's global economy, particularly during periods of uncertainty, according to Adeeb Y. Al Aama, Chief Executive Officer of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC). He delivered these remarks at the panel discussion titled 'Enhancing Trade Solutions for Regional Connectivity,' organized as part of the annual meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB) in Baku.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Al Aama highlighted that demand for trade finance is on the rise amid growing economic volatility. He likened trade finance to the bloodstream of the modern economy, underscoring its heightened importance during uncertain times, especially within the energy sector.

Al-Aama reported significant achievements for ITFC in 2025, noting a 30 percent increase in trade finance approvals compared to the previous year, reaching $9.35 billion. A substantial portion of this financing, $8 billion, was allocated to supporting trade among member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The CEO emphasized ITFC's focus on aiding more vulnerable countries and strategically significant sectors. He noted that the current demand is concentrated in energy and food security sectors. Al-Aama also mentioned ITFC's strategy of expanding its financing capacity by mobilizing additional resources from the markets. For every dollar financed by ITFC, approximately two dollars are mobilized from partners, significantly enhancing the organization's capabilities.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC's total financing volume has surpassed $96 billion, with aspirations to exceed the $100 billion mark soon through collaborations with countries such as Egypt, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Al-Aama reiterated ITFC's main objective of supporting economic development in member countries by strengthening trade, finance, and regional connectivity.