The National Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan reported on its participation in the 23rd annual Shariah Board conference of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) in Manama, Bahrain, where its First Deputy Chairman, Firuz Sharifzoda, presented Tajikistan’s progress in developing Islamic banking and its approach to applying international standards. Conference organisers also presented Sharifzoda with a special AAOIFI award recognising Tajikistan’s contribution to developing the legal and institutional foundations for Islamic finance. The conference agenda covered harmonisation of Islamic banking standards, integration of financial technology and implementation of ethical finance in Shariah-compliant financial systems. On the sidelines, Sharifzoda held meetings with central bank heads and representatives of international financial organisations to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation, engaging international experts and organising joint training for specialists in Tajikistan’s financial system.