The World Economic Forum 2017 was launched in Davos in Switzerland yesterday. Chinese President Xi Jinping said that protectionism should be denounced and free trade should be promoted to enhance global economy. He noted that no one will win the economic war. The future global economic process will benefit all the nations. The Chinese President met Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe and leaders of Bangladesh, Serbia and Switzerland before the opening of the session. The Chinese leader spoke on Chinese investments in Sri Lanka with Prime Minister Wickremasinghe. They also exchanged views over the Hambantota Port, investment zone and financial city being built in Colombo. The Chinese President said that the Chinese government has embarked projects with more than 100 countries and organizations under the one belt and one road initiative. This is the first time where a Chinese President is attending a World Economic Forum. Welcoming the guests executive President of the forum professor Klaus Schwab said that the forum is historical due to the presence of Chinese leader.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe met the Chairman of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Jin Li Kuan.
Mr. Kuan said that his organization is ready to support Sri Lanka to the fullest end. Minister Ravi Karunanayake, permanent representative of the UN Ravinatha Ariyasinghe, Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister Saman Athaudahetti were also present at the meeting.