WEF Davos Meet 2025 - The Economic Times
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced ₹15.7 lakh crore in new investments at Davos, focusing on diverse sectors and regions across the state. He emphasized Maharashtra's high rate of converting MoUs into actual investments and highlighted efforts to attract investments to less developed areas like Vidarbha, Gadchiroli, and Marathwada, promoting balanced regional growth.
Pete Stavros, global co-head of private equity at KKR, advocates for employee ownership of companies to improve worker engagement and reduce high turnover rates. Through his non-profit, Ownership Works, he has helped over 116 companies transition to employee ownership, benefiting 160,000 workers globally.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's TelanganaRising delegation secured 20 investment MoUs worth Rs 1.79 lakh crore at the World Economic Forum in Davos, notably in data centres and pumped storage. Major contributors include Amazon AWS and Sun Petrochemicals. The investments will create approximately 50,000 jobs, alongside significant expansions by Infosys, HCL, and Wipro in Hyderabad.
The amendment would give easier access for some individuals to the so-called temporary repatriation facility, which allows non-doms to bring previously earned foreign income and gains into the UK at a reduced tax rate, an idea proposed by the former Conservative government and maintained by Reeves. Reeves said in Davos that the TRF would become "more generous."
WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala warns that retaliatory trade wars in response to U.S. President Trump's tariff threats would severely damage global growth. Drawing comparisons to the 1930s trade restrictions, she calls for calm and use of WTO dispute resolution mechanisms. Brazil's envoy also cautions against politically motivated tariffs.
US President Donald Trump said Thursday he would seek to bring interest rates lower, speaking remotely to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. "Likewise, they should be dropping all over the world.
US President Donald Trump told world business leaders Thursday to manufacture in the United States or they might face tariffs, in his first major speech to world leaders since returning to the White House this week. "Come make your product in America and we will give you among the lowest taxes of any nation on earth," Trump said, speaking remotely to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
US President Donald Trump, speaking remotely at the World Economic Forum in Davos, stated that lowering oil prices could immediately end the Russia-Ukraine war, urging Saudi Arabia and OPEC to reduce costs. He also expressed a desire to meet Russian President Putin to work toward a peace settlement.
Shobhana Kamineni praised India's growth potential, highlighting the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She drew a comparison to David Beckham's legendary skills, emphasizing Modi's ability to drive economic growth. Kamineni also highlighted the role of digitization, cheap data, IT services, and growing entrepreneurship in boosting the Indian economy, while emphasizing the need for job creation by 2030.
Economic nationalism arises from issues like stability, employment, and inflation that free trade sometimes fails to address. While it contributed to economic growth in South Korea and China, tariffs and protectionist measures by the US might not provide the right solutions, according to WEF panellists.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said India will sustain a 6-8% economic growth rate with controlled inflation. He emphasized inclusive growth, manufacturing, services, and law simplification as key pillars. Talent and policy trust boost factory shifts to India. Industrialist Sanjiv Bajaj highlighted government reliability but urged faster growth and private capital for better outcomes.
Crypto could become the new gold standard for currencies as Donald Trump's administration brings hopes of clear regulations, potentially leading to mass adoption and investment. The proposed strategic Bitcoin reserve and integration with traditional financial services may drive the value of cryptocurrencies significantly.
Experts at the World Economic Forum express concerns over central banks' ability to rescue the financial system due to geopolitical conflicts, government debt, and the rise of cryptocurrencies. Challenges include reduced response capabilities and the impact of stable coins. Additionally, high government debt post-2008 crisis could trigger traditional financial crises, complicating future economic stability.
Countries should stay calm and not react quickly to protectionist moves to avoid harming economic growth. WTO urges not to overreact and study policies first. Climate efforts need consistent action from both countries and companies. Renewables and green technology hold economic promise, and progress should continue despite some setbacks.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has secured investment commitments worth over Rs 15 lakh crore and nearly 15 lakh jobs at the World Economic Forum. He attributes this success to global trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra's business-friendly environment. Plans are in motion to transform Maharashtra into a USD 1-trillion economy, emphasizing its role as an industrial powerhouse.
Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu expressed confidence at the World Economic Forum in Davos that India's golden era has begun, with the country poised to achieve the fastest growth rate globally. He emphasized the nation's stability under PM Modi's leadership and the valuable opportunities available, particularly in renewable energy.
JSW Defence is partnering with the Telangana government to establish a manufacturing facility for Unmanned Aerial Systems in the state, with an investment of Rs 800 crore. This collaboration with US-based Shield AI aims to produce and indigenize the 'V-BAT' system, reinforcing Telangana’s growing status as a manufacturing hub.
A former chef, Russian translator and intelligence man, Tangen told Arijit Barman in an interview in Davos that the world is in the grip of unprecedented volatility.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, leading the Indian delegation at Davos, emphasized India's trust with global companies and strong US relationship despite potential issues like birthright citizenship changes. India presents a unified front for investments, focusing on manufacturing interest and AI development. Prime Minister Modi's economic policies and trust in India's foreign policy are key highlights.
Donald Trump will make an online appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing global elites amid mixed reactions to his second term. His trade policies, climate accord withdrawal, and Panama Canal claims have sparked significant discussion. Nonetheless, some leaders and businessmen express optimism about his presidency, expecting favorable changes for the US and global trade relations.
"If it creates opportunities for India because maybe they move against some other countries, which move business then to India, that may be good. I do think that there may be opportunities in defence cooperation for India, especially in production as the rest of the world militarises more, says Raghuram Rajan."
Rising geo-economic fragmentation is projected to reduce global GDP by up to USD 5.7 trillion, surpassing the impacts of the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19 pandemic. Emerging markets, including India, could experience significant GDP declines and higher inflation due to increasing geopolitical statecraft measures like sanctions and industrial policies.
The END Fund showcased at the Davos Summit how it successfully tackled river blindness in Africa through a network of health professionals, volunteers, and support from Merck. The larger discussion posed was about corporations acting like social enterprises, balancing profit with societal good, and aligning with sustainable development goals by reimagining professional obligations.
Executives at the World Economic Forum highlighted that strong leadership, clear business objectives, and data preparedness are key to profitable AI adoption. Despite early successes, many firms face high costs and resistance to change. India's digital infrastructure offers unique AI opportunities, but skilling gaps must be addressed for sustained growth.
TVS Motor expects electric vehicles to comprise about 30% of its volumes in two years, driven by the success of its iQube electric scooters. The company is expanding into electric three-wheelers and micro four-wheelers in partnership with Hyundai. Government support and proactive state benefits are aiding the fast growth of the EV industry.
Indian Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary announced that a new Trade and Economic Participation Agreement with a European Free Trade Association bloc is set to bring in USD 100 billion investment and create one million jobs in India. This agreement emphasizes skill development and mutual recognition of skills, reinforcing global trust in Indian talent.
Maharashtra signs 54 MoUs worth Rs 15.70 lakh crore at the World Economic Forum in Davos, with significant investments from Reliance Industries, Amazon, Vardhaan Lithium, Blackstone, and others. These agreements are expected to generate over 3,45,000 jobs in various sectors, including petrochemicals, textiles, infrastructure, electronics, and green energy.
Collaboration between policymakers and businesses is crucial for leveraging India's digital potential to create an inclusive and prosperous future by 2047. A KPMG report highlights the economic and societal benefits of India's digital landscape, urging stakeholders to work together to position India as a global digital leader.
During the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, Indian leaders highlighted the evolution of India's global capability centres (GCCs) from cost arbitrage hubs to innovation leaders. Emphasis was placed on upskilling the talent pool, fostering technological advancements, and promoting collaboration between academia, government, and industry to sustain and expand these advancements across the country.
As many as 33 industrial clusters from 16 countries have pledged to economic growth, job creation, and emission cuts under the World Economic Forum's Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative. Comprising 33 clusters worldwide, including five from India, the initiative aims to reduce emissions by 832 million tonnes, contribute $492 billion to GDP, and support 4.3 million jobs.
Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh met WTCA chairman John E Drew in Davos to request the establishment of World Trade Centres in Vizag, Vijayawada, and Tirupati. Currently, WTCA operates 13 WTCs in India. Drew assured Lokesh he would consider the proposal while Lokesh also engaged with top global executives to attract investments to the state.
Panama's President Mulino dismisses concerns over a potential U.S. invasion to reclaim the Panama Canal as President Trump reiterates his desire to take it back. Trump has not provided specifics on how or when this might happen, despite accusations about Panama's management and alleged Chinese involvement, which Panama denies.
Global leaders at the Davos WEF Annual Meeting emphasize the need for renewed cooperation amidst geopolitical uncertainties. Key themes include promoting economic transformation through innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development. Calls for strategic global partnerships highlight the importance of adapting to the changing international order to ensure prosperity and stability.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during the World Economic Forum meetings in Davos, met with Swiss Federal Railways to discuss safety and maintenance technologies. Significant investments were secured, including a USD 250 million commitment from Belgian company AB InBev in India's beverage industry, and major projects in Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
Raghuram Rajan asserts that the RBI does not need to intervene in the currency market despite the rupee's decline against the dollar, as other currencies are also depreciating. He emphasizes that the rupee remains overvalued in real terms compared to peers and warns of the potential weaponisation of global currencies by the US.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu met Microsoft founder Bill Gates in Davos. On the third day of his visit, Naidu will meet officials from WEF and industry leaders from Unilever, Google Cloud, and Pepsi. Andhra Pradesh is likely to sign an agreement with Greenko and attend discussions on organic farming, green hydrogen, and renewable power.
