The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) participated at the 21^st Meeting of the COMCEC Tourism Working Group held with the theme of “Promoting Entrepreneurship for Tourism Industry Competitiveness in the OIC Countries” in OIC Member Countries” held on 16-17 October 2023 in Ankara, Türkiye. Mr. Davron ISHNAZAROV, Researcher at Economic and Social Research Department of SESRIC, delivered a presentation on the topic "Promoting Entrepreneurship for Tourism Industry Competitiveness in OIC Countries" and briefed the representatives of the working group about the Centre’s and OIC level efforts, which are conducted with an aim to improving their national capacities in the domain.

The meeting brought together focal points from the OIC Member Countries that are members of the COMCEC Tourism Working Group as well as representatives of academia and national institutions responsible for promoting entrepreneurship namely KOSGEB and TOBB from Türkiye.

The technical sessions of the meeting included deliberations on the draft research report prepared with the theme “Promoting Entrepreneurship for Tourism Industry Competitiveness in the OIC Countries: Scope, Conceptual Framework and Methodology”. Besides, participating member countries delivered presentations highlighting the lessons learned from selected case studies as well as experiences and perspectives on the theme of the meeting.

The meeting continued with the policy debate session among the participating delegates focusing on the formulation of policy recommendations for the 39^th COMCEC Ministerial Session.