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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called on the World Economic Forum (WEF) to take coordinated measures to support climate-vulnerable countries, including delta nations such as Bangladesh and countries facing threats from rising sea levels.
He made the call when WEF President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alois Zwinggi paid a courtesy call on him in the afternoon at Dalian International Conference Center on the sidelines of the WEF's annual gathering, according to a press release.
At the beginning of the meeting, Zwinggi congratulated Tarique Rahman on assuming office as prime minister.
During the discussion, the Prime Minister praised the WEF's initiatives to address climate change and urged the organisation to play a stronger coordinating role in helping countries most exposed to climate risks.
Highlighting Bangladesh's climate adaptation efforts, Tarique Rahman said the government has undertaken a programme to plant 250 million trees over the next five years. He also outlined plans to restore water flow, reduce flood risks and protect the environment through the re-excavation of nearly 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals.
The prime minister said Bangladesh has introduced tax incentives for solar power generation to encourage renewable energy production and aims to meet 20% of its electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030.
The WEF chief expressed interest in drawing on the prime minister's experience and initiatives in combating climate change at the global level.
He said Bangladesh's efforts to strengthen climate resilience and promote sustainable development will attract the attention of international financing institutions and investors.
Zwinggi assured the prime minister that the WEF will continue to provide necessary support and give due consideration to the issues raised by Bangladesh.
He also invited Tarique Rahman 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 (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury and Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were present on the occasion.
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