Rishad showcases Sri Lanka at Davos of Asia

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen (third from right) joins the invited dignitaries to the Pangkor International Development Dialogue (PIDD) also called the ‘Davos of Asia’ on 5 September in Ipoh, Malaysia

Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen representing Sri Lanka took part in the ‘Davos of Asia’ on 5 September in Ipoh, Malaysia.

The Pangkor International Development Dialogue (PIDD) also called as the ‘Davos of Asia’ held annually in Pangkor Island, Malaysia is the fourth to be held this year. 

Jointly organised by Perak’s Institut Darul Ridzuan (IDR), Northern Corridor Implementation Authority of Malaysia and Perak government, PIDD promotes exchange of knowledge and ideas in the areas of global and state development. Among the more than 1,000 participants this year is 2006 Nobel Prize winner, Grameen Bank founder Professor Muhammad Yunus.

Also among invited foreign dignitaries were Republic of Guinea Minister Professor Datuk Dr Sano Koutoub Moustapha and India’s Nagaland Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang. 

Bathiudeen showcased Sri Lanka to the event participants and said: “The Pangkor event comes at a time when Sri Lanka enters a period of major economic and social reforms under united joint leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.”

Pangkor Dialogue Secretariat’s Raeez Uvais informed Bathiudeen that it is an international knowledge exchange event “aiming to inspire sustainable economic growth in the region in line with the Sustainable Development Goals”.

Uvais added: “Captivating the theme ‘Building Resilience for Inclusive and Sustainable Future,’ it will explore the challenges and what it takes to build a resilient society, as well as the connections with an inclusive and sustainable future. With over 2,000 delegates and 50 international speakers expected, the dialogue will be focusing on six areas including, Economy, Social Education, Environment, Women & Youth and Technology & Innovation. The outcome of the dialogue provides actionable and impactful recommendations for the benefits of all stakeholders. The Pangkor Dialogue also has been proven to be a venue for forming fruitful collaborations between international stakeholders. The event provides a platform that brings all the stakeholders under one roof. The Pangkor Dialogue will also bring together leaders, academicians, researchers, policy makers, industry players and thinkers from around the world to share ideas and to discuss issues related to development and sustainability.”

The third Pangkor Dialogue last year in Pangkor Island drew 16 countries.