Prime Minister Tarique Rahman joined the World Economic Forum’s Summer Davos in China on Wednesday, using his first appearance at the global gathering as head of government to position Bangladesh as a destination for investment, innovation and international economic cooperation.
The prime minister participated in the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, widely known as Summer Davos, at the Dalian International Conference Centre in the northeastern Chinese city of Dalian, where global leaders, policymakers, business executives and academics gathered to discuss economic growth, technological transformation and emerging global challenges.
Held under the theme “Innovating at Scale,” the forum has brought together representatives from more than 90 countries and regions, making it one of the world’s most influential platforms for dialogue on trade, investment and innovation.
According to Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, Tarique Rahman took part in the high-level sessions and was also expected to hold interactions with world leaders and business executives attending the event.
The participation marks the first time the prime minister has attended a World Economic Forum meeting since assuming office in February, underscoring the government’s efforts to strengthen Bangladesh’s engagement with global investors and economic partners.
On the sidelines of the forum, Tarique Rahman held talks with World Economic Forum President and Chief Executive Officer Alois Zwinggi, focusing on investment opportunities, economic growth and Bangladesh’s development priorities.
Earlier, the prime minister addressed a WEF session on climate leadership, where he outlined his government’s plans on climate resilience, renewable energy, river management and green industrialization, while calling for stronger global cooperation on climate finance and technology transfer.
The China visit has placed economic diplomacy at the center of Bangladesh’s foreign policy agenda, with officials expecting discussions on trade, investment, technology, infrastructure and connectivity to dominate engagements throughout the tour.
The prime minister also attended a state dinner hosted by Chinese Premier Li Qiang alongside the heads of government of South Korea, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Guinea and Montenegro, providing an opportunity for informal multilateral engagement ahead of formal bilateral meetings.
Following the conclusion of his Dalian engagements, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to travel to Beijing by high-speed train later on Wednesday, where the most significant part of the visit will take place.
He is expected to hold bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday and meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday.
Those meetings are expected to focus on expanding trade and investment, infrastructure cooperation, connectivity projects and broader economic collaboration between the two countries.
The prime minister arrived in China on Monday night from Malaysia, the first leg of his maiden overseas tour since taking office. He is scheduled to return to Bangladesh on June 26 after completing the four-day visit.
