China becomes key Davos participant

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Europe

00:26

The World Economic Forum (WEF) in the Swiss ski resort city of Davos is one of the most important gatherings for global business leaders. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella will be a co-chair for this year's annual meeting. Meanwhile, the WEF will publish the Global Risk Report 2019 in London on Wednesday as a curtain-raiser for the annual meeting.

The WEF's annual meeting begins on January 22 with the theme of "Globalization 4.0". While China has gradually become a key participant, a major focal point, and even the talk of the town for WEF Davos, the Davos events on January 23 will be dedicated almost entirely to China. And the WEF says that it will host the most ever Chinese public figures this year.

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“One of the biggest delegations coming this year is the Chinese one, with a lot of ministers across a lot key portfolios including energy, industry, and human resources who are able to talk about future of the world,” said David Aikman, the WEF chief China representative.

While the timing is special, as the event coincides with the China-U.S. trade truce, U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron won't be on hand.

Aikman cited the event as having comprehensive representation from all the key nations. “Even though President Trump is not be attending, it will be high level, with six or seven cabinet level or above ministers come to Davos…a lot things can still get done at a ministerial level, that's why we work very comprehensively with every country,” Aikman stated.