PM arrives in Beijing from Dalian by bullet train

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Beijing from Dalian this afternoon (24 June) by high-speed train to begin his official three-day state visit to China.

He reached Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station at 5:35pm local time, said Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Md Suzauddhowla.

He said the prime minister, accompanied by his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, will leave for his place of residence, Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, on completion of formalities at the airport.

Earlier, the prime minister left Dalian for the Chinese capital by the bullet train at 1:56pm local time after participating in the two-day 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum (WEF), also known as Summer Davos.

The prime minister's arrival in Beijing marks the start of his official three-day state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

During the visit, Tarique is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Premier Li Qiang on Thursday and Friday.

He is also expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and hold discussions with senior leaders of the Communist Party of China.

According to the programme schedule, Premier Li Qiang will accord a red-carpet reception to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday.

The two prime ministers will subsequently lead high-level bilateral talks between Bangladesh and China at the Great Hall of the People, focusing on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure development and other areas of mutual interest.

Earlier, in the morning, the prime minister participated in the WEF 17th Annual Meeting at the Dalian International Conference Centre.

The conference began at 10am local time with the theme, "Innovating at Scale," focusing on how innovation can drive sustainable economic growth and address global challenges.

Before that, he also attended the plenary session of the conference, which began at 9am local time.

WEF President and Chief Executive Officer Alois Zwinggi delivered the opening remarks.

Apart from Tarique, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, Mongolian Prime Minister Nyam-Osor Uchral, Guinean Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah, Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and Kazakh Prime Minister Oljas Bektenov also joined the session.

On the sidelines of the session, Tarique held discussions with several heads of government and senior leaders from various countries to strengthen bilateral relations and advance issues of mutual interest.

The interactions focused on enhancing cooperation in areas, including trade, investment, economic development and regional connectivity.

During a break in the session, the participating world leaders took part in an official photo session.

More than 1,700 representatives from over 90 countries and regions, including leaders from government, business, academia and media, took part in the event.

This year's event, themed "Innovating at Scale," focuses on key global issues, including the global economy, shifting industrial structures, the practical application of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, China's economic future, youth employment and climate change.

Bridging the gap between rapid technological advancement and its broader economic benefits remains one of the central topics of discussion at the conference.

This marked Tarique's first participation in a World Economic Forum meeting since assuming office as prime minister.

Earlier, yesterday, Tarique addressed a session of the annual meeting.

He also held a meeting with WEF President and CEO Alois Zwinggi on the sidelines of the conference.

Besides, Tarique attended a state dinner hosted by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, along with the prime ministers of six other countries, including South Korea, Mongolia, Guinea, Montenegro and Kazakhstan.

The prime minister, along with his spouse Dr Zubaida Rahman and the delegation, arrived in Dalian from Kuala Lumpur on Monday night.

A high-level Chinese government delegation welcomed Tarique Rahman with a red-carpet reception upon arrival, followed by a motorcade escort to the hotel.

He is expected to return home on the night of 26 June, wrapping up his first official overseas tour since taking office.