World trade also declined, after having exhibited strong growth in the last few months of 2013, which had raised hopes of a sustained economic recovery. BIS central bankers’ speeches  1  In the US, GDP declined in the first quarter. However, we consider this to be a transitory phenomenon which can be largely put down to an exceptional cold snap experienced this winter. Growth in the euro area was weak and varied greatly from one country to another. While economic activity continued to pick up in Germany, renewed stagnation in France and Italy gave rise to disappointment. We continue to expect the global economy to firm in the coming quarters. However, the global economic recovery will remain very subdued by historical standards. Compared to the last monetary policy assessment, we now anticipate somewhat slower growth, in both advanced and emerging economies. It is entirely possible, however, that global economic growth will be weaker than we have assumed. The euro area continues to face significant challenges. These include the consolidation of public sector finances as well as the implementation of institutional reforms and reforms to promote growth. In addition, various emerging economies are suffering from structural problems. Should the current geopolitical conflicts worsen, this would also hold back activity in the international economy. Since the major currency areas are in different phases of the monetary policy cycle, there is also a danger of greater volatility in the financial and foreign exchange markets.

Our robust regulatory infrastructure, sound Shariah governance framework, wide international connectivity, diversified players and products, elevated by the Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre (MIFC) agenda, provides a conducive landscape for the Islamic financial industry to tap into emerging opportunities in these areas of focus. To underpin this is the development of a vibrant Islamic Financial Market. As part of Financial Market Committee’s (FMC) effort to further develop the onshore financial markets, we have established two subcommittees: the Bond Market Subcommittee and the Islamic Financial Market Subcommittee to formulate specific market development initiatives to take us forward. The creation of these subcommittees underlines the importance of both of these markets in the context of overall development of the domestic financial markets. The Islamic Financial Market Subcommittee will review the current landscape to identify and address challenges to the continued growth and development of the Islamic financial market, particularly in light of the growing importance of Malaysia's Islamic Banking sector as well as the significance of Malaysia's Islamic capital market, both domestically and globally. Domestic Islamic banks account for about 42.5% of the overall commercial banking loan book and could reach 45% by the end of 2026[1]. In the Sukuk segment, Malaysia has maintained its leadership position in the global sukuk market in 2021 by commanding a market share of 37% of the global sukuk outstanding[2]. The industry has already developed an encouraging track record in the sustainable finance space, as evident from the sovereign and corporate sustainability sukuk issuances to finance green and social-related projects.