Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Dalian, China, as an invited guest. The plenary session, titled 'Innovating at Scale,' commenced at the Dalian International Conference Centre at 9:00 am local time. WEF President and CEO Alois Zwingli delivered the opening speech. The session was attended by several world leaders, including Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Mongolian Prime Minister Nyam-Osoryn Uchral, Montenegro Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, and Guinean Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah.
Bilateral Relations and Mutual Interests
On the sidelines of the session, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman engaged in discussions with various world leaders to strengthen bilateral relations and address issues of mutual interest. The Chinese investors and top business leaders gained insights into Bangladesh's investment environment, policy benefits, and future prospects.
Premier's First WEF Participation
This marks Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's first participation in the World Economic Forum since assuming office. Earlier, WEF President and CEO Alois Zwinggi paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, during which they discussed various issues of mutual interest.
Focus on Renewable Energy
Referring to renewable energy, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman highlighted that tax benefits have been provided for solar power generation, with a target to meet 20 percent of the country's total electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030. Alois Zwinggi acknowledged the Prime Minister's initiatives in combating climate change and expressed that Bangladesh's climate resilience and sustainable development activities would attract international investors and financing organizations.
Future Cooperation and Invitations
Alois Zwinggi assured Bangladesh of serious consideration of the issues raised and pledged continued cooperation on behalf of the World Economic Forum. He also invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to participate in the WEF's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
