Trump in Davos: The world waits with bated breath
MESSAGE OF AMERICA FIRST US prez to speak last among global leaders
DAVOS: In Davos this week, participants can experience “a day in the life of a refugee”. Or hear about ways to uphold the Paris climate accord and promote free trade. Or rub elbows with any number of leaders of African countries.
Enter Donald Trump. Theworldeconomicforumin Davos, Switzerland, is meant to be a place for the world’s decision-makers to put their power to good use. The theme this year is “Creating a Shared Future in Fractured World”, an ambition not likely to turn up on the US president’s Twitter feed.
Trump will bring his zero-sum message of “America First”, and will speak last among the parade of world leaders – from places like India, France and Canada – who are gathering from Tuesday to Friday in the Swiss snows.
As with most things Trump, there are stark contrasts between how attendees view his visit. Some are happy and hope for dialogue. Others unabashedly say they wish he would stay away.
He will be sticking to one key aspect of the WEF’S original ambition in starting the annual forum in Davos 47 years ago: Business. An array of cabinet officials is also due to tag along, suggesting the US is preparing a big economic and diplomatic push.
An administration official said Trump is expected to tout the booming US economy and measures like his recent tax overhaul, while again criticising trade practices that he sees as unfair toward the US. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Trump made the decision to go because he thinks he has a positive economic message.
With Wall Street surging, Trump has some cheerleaders on the economic front. “I think it’s really good that he’s going,” said Bill Thomas, chairman of business services KPMG International. “The US economy is dependent on global engagement, and I think he’s in Davos because he knows that.”
Outside of business, though - whether among human rights advocates, environmentalists, peaceniks or free-trade proponents - Trump is shunned.
The WEF founder is hoping Trump’s planned visit to Davos this week will “provide him even better with a global perspective”, and says critics of the US leader should hear him out.
Klaus Schwab couldn’t confirm whether Trump will actually attend the event as scheduled because of the US government shutdown. He said: “Without the cooperation, without the positive approach of the US, we will not make very much progress in finding solutions. So his participation is very important.”
INDIA 62ND ON INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT
India on Monday was ranked 62nd among emerging economies on an Inclusive Development Index, much below China’s and Pakistan’s rank of 26 and 47 respectively.
The index takes into account the “living standards, environmental sustainability and protection of future generations from further indebtedness”, WEF said.