Online Desk:  Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman on Tuesday laid emphasis on worldwide sharing of technological capabilities to ensure benefits for the entire world.

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology may pose a threat to development by exacerbating the gap between the developed and underdeveloped nations. Excessive use of technology [AI robots replacing human jobs in industries] can potentially pose threats to human beings and development in the future,” he said.

Salman said this while speaking at a special meeting of the World Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh, that has emerged as a mid-year, Middle Eastern counterpart to the WEF’s annual meet in Davos, Switzerland held in January.

The unprecedented advancements in technology are exacerbating the gap between the developed and underdeveloped nations, he said, adding that investors are also directing investments towards opportunities with high profit potential.

On Bangladesh, Salman said the country was overcoming its economic crisis and turning around.

Emphasising Bangladesh’s achievements across diverse sectors, Salman said the country’s development persisted even amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

“However, the economic repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine conflict have posed challenges for the country, including declining forex reserves and the appreciation of dollar against taka,” he added.

Despite Bangladesh’s non-involvement in the conflict, it bears the brunt of the consequences, he said.

At the meeting world leaders advocated for equitable distribution of technology worldwide, extending beyond solely developed nations.

They also discussed global cooperation, economic growth, and energy policies.