Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called on the World Economic Forum to take coordinated measures in support of climate-vulnerable delta nations, including Bangladesh, and countries facing threats from rising sea levels.
He made the call when WEF President and Chief Executive Officer Alois Zwinggi paid a courtesy call on him at the Dalian International Conference Centre on the sidelines of the forum’s annual gathering.
At the beginning of the meeting, the WEF chief congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming office as the head of government of Bangladesh.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister praised the WEF’s initiatives to address climate change and highlighted Bangladesh’s own efforts to tackle its adverse impacts.
He said the government had launched an initiative to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years as part of its climate resilience efforts.
The premier also referred to Bangladesh’s move to restore water flow, reduce flood risks and protect the environment through the re-excavation of nearly 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals.
Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh had introduced tax incentives for solar power generation to encourage renewable energy production. The country has also adopted a plan to meet 20 percent of its total electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030, he added.
Alois Zwinggi expressed interest in drawing on Bangladesh’s experience and initiatives in combating climate change at the global level.
He said Bangladesh’s climate resilience and sustainable development initiatives could draw the attention of international financing institutions and investors.
Assuring the Prime Minister that the issues raised by Bangladesh would be given serious consideration, the WEF chief said the forum would continue to extend necessary support.
Zwinggi also invited the Prime Minister to attend the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury and Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were present.
