The World Economic Forum plans to hold Summer Davos in China every year after the inaugural event in Dalian next week, according to its Beijing representative.

The first Annual Meeting of New Champions, or Summer Davos, will be held in the coastal city of Dalian in North China's Liaoning Province, from September 6 to 8.

Next year the event will be held in Tianjin, a city on the Bohai Bay, from September 25 to 27, according to Jeremy Jurgens, chief representative in Beijing of the World Economic Forum.

"We've put this meeting at the center of shifting powers: China," said Jurgens, adding that the country is one of the most influential emerging markets and a driver of the world economy.

Summer Davos will focus on the new generation of multinational companies. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will attend, along with more than 1,700 participants from 90 countries and regions.

The event also aims to identify and engage the "new champions" - the world's next generation of global leaders, fast-growing regions, up-and-coming cities and technology pioneers.

Dalian is hosting the event in cooperation with the World Economic Forum and the National Development and Reform Commission.

"I hope this meeting can showcase our dynamic city to the world and the fact that Dalian itself fits within the 'new champions' theme," said Xia Deren, Dalian's mayor.

The Davos forum is named after the Swiss ski resort where it has been held for the past 36 years.

(China Daily August 31, 2007)