Annual Davos meeting opening with a full agenda (MarketWatch) (24-01-2011)

LONDON (MarketWatch) — Although fears of a double-dip recession are receding, there is still considerable risk to markets in the wake of the global financial crisis as the world’s most powerful politicians and business executives prepare for the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting.

Europe’s festering sovereign-debt woes, concerns about China’s ability to manage its economic growth and surging food and commodity prices promise to dominate public, and more importantly, closed-door discussions set to take place in Davos starting Wednesday.

The gathering is offering panel discussions and workshops on topics ranging from the most pressing economic and geopolitical issues to more esoteric matters, such as the healing power of music and “Shakespearean leadership.”

But it’s the opportunity for business executives, politicians, policy makers, philanthropists and nongovernmental leaders to sit in the same room that is the real attraction.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is slated to deliver the opening address on Wednesday.

Other world leaders set to make the trip include German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, Mexican President Felipe Calderon and British Prime Minister David Cameron. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, a Davos regular, is also set to attend.

Source: MarketWatch