Cancellation of Prime Minister’s visit to Davos

In view of the recent spate of terrorist attacks inside the country, the Prime Minister has decided to cancel his scheduled visit to Davos, Switzerland on 21-24 January 2014 to attend the World Economic Forum meeting.

World Economic Forum (WEF) is a Geneva-based independent International Organization, which brings together annually business, political, academic and civil society leaders for interaction to shape global, regional and industry agendas. The Forum comprises 1,000 global corporations and enterprises usually with more than US$ 5 billion in turnover. Pakistan represents WEF’s second largest membership base in South Asia, with a total of 4 foundation members and 8 global growth companies.

During his visit, the Prime Minister was scheduled to meet a number of world leaders, heads of international organizations and heads of multinational companies. The Prime Minister’s programme also included a breakfast meeting with Pakistani businessmen participating in the Forum, addressing a luncheon meeting, organized by Pathfinder group, with heads and CEOs of multinational companies, academics, representatives of NGOs and media.

In Geneva, the Prime Minister was to visit the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), the world’s leading scientific organization, conducting research on High Energy Particle Physics. Pakistan has long-standing cooperation with CERN. The Prime Minister’s programme at CERN included address to the scientists and witnessing the signing of two agreements between PAEC and CERN.

Islamabad

20 January 2014

10/2014