World Economic Forum 2018: Indian & Canadian PMs defend free trade, seek global trade reforms

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The first day of the World Economic Forum has come to an end in Davos. Talks focused on the rise of protectionism, and also gender inequality. Those were the key points of the speeches delivered by the prime ministers of India and Canada. CGTN's Jack Barton brings us the highlights from Switzerland.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to the stage at Davos with a speech that effectively marked the official opening of the World Economic Forum. Modi took aim at the sort of anti-globalization policies being trumpeted by U.S. President Donald Trump.

NARENDRA MODI INDIAN PRIME MINISTER "Many societies and countries are becoming more and more focused on themselves. It feels like the opposite of globalization is happening. The negative impact of this kind of mindset and wrong priorities cannot be considered less dangerous than climate change or terrorism."

It was a theme echoed by Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who made a major announcement on a trade deal the U.S. has pulled out of.

JUSTIN TRUDEAU CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER "Canada and 10 other remaining members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership concluded discussions in Tokyo, Japan on a new Comprehensive and Progressive agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the CPTPP."

Trudeau also spoke at length about gender inequality and pressures many women still face in the workplace.

JUSTIN TRUDEAU CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER "Me Too, Time's Up, the Women's March. These movements tell us that we need to have a critical discussion on women's rights, equality and the power dynamics of gender."

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to give the closing speech on Friday with a message that's likely to run contrary to the forum's push for free trade and efforts to curb climate change. So far, though, it's been an upbeat forum with business confidence rising along with the economic recoveries from Europe to the United States.

JACK BARTON DAVOS But has the recovery led to a halt in rising inequality? According to the global charity Oxfam the answer is no. The group released a report to coincide with the forum stating that one percent of the world's population now controls 82 percent of the wealth. Jack Barton, CGTN, the World Economic Forum in Davos.