World Economic Forum to open full fledged office in India

New Delhi, May 14 (PTI) The World Economic Forum (WEF), known for its annual Davos meeting, today said it will open its full-fledged office in India in the wake of the country's growing economic clout. Besides, WEF which has been organising the annual India event along with the Indian industry body CII, has decided to go solo from this year onwards. The branding of the event would also be changed to 'World Economic Forum on India' rather than India Economic Summit being held annually for the last 27 years. On being asked whether WEF won't be collaborating with CII in its next India event in November, the WEF Asia Head and Senior Director Sushant Palakurthi Rao said, "Absolutely." He, however said, the WEF engagement with the industry chamber has gone beyond the summit by engaging more with it on a variety of other initiatives. Rao said the Geneva-based WEF wants to have a permanent establishment in India. "We are opening an office to engage more deeply with the country and carry out our activities". On rebranding the summit, WEF Managing Director Sarita Nayyar said, the new name is more reflective of India's position in the world. India is an important political and economic partner. It is not just about India but about India and the role it is playing in the global landscape. PTI