Commonwealth Ministers responsible for trade, industry and investment will meet in London from 9-10 March to kick-start an ambitious ‘Agenda for Growth’ across the Commonwealth’s 52 member countries.
Commonwealth Ministers responsible for trade, industry and investment will meet in London from 9-10 March to kick-start an ambitious ‘Agenda for Growth’ across the Commonwealth’s 52 member countries.
The meeting is jointly convened by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) and the Commonwealth Secretariat. Over two days, ministers from over 30 Commonwealth countries will consult with business leaders and trade experts concluding in a closed door policy roundtable at Marlborough House on 10 March.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said: “Current global trade instability remains a priority concern for member states. It is vital that no country is left behind. Our trade experts have identified significant, untapped opportunities which, with the Secretariat’s support, can boost intra-Commonwealth trade from 17 per cent to 25 per cent over the next three years.”
Lord Marland, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council said: “The number of Ministers attending as well as CEOs and Chairs from leading corporations, is testament to the enabling power of the Commonwealth. This is an opportunity to put trade and enterprise at the heart of the Commonwealth, to develop the prosperity of members through trade, and to enable businesses to realise the opportunities within the Commonwealth. The desire for outcomes and efficient delivery in a fast changing global trade environment ensures that this inaugural summit is extremely timely.”
At play is a distinct Commonwealth advantage characterised by shared values, a common language, familiar institutions and similar legal and regulatory systems. This makes two Commonwealth countries trade on an average 19 to 20 per cent more with each other as compared to their non-Commonwealth partners.
On 9 March, Ministers will meet at Lancaster House for a public-private sector dialogue organised by the CWEIC. One hundred senior business leaders are expected to attend. The core of the days’ discussions will focus on six ministerial roundtable sessions covering financial services; ease of doing business; technology and innovation; business and stability; creating an export economy; and, attracting investment. On 10 March, at Marlborough House, Ministers will convene for a policy roundtable, co-chaired by Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and Malta. Ministers will explore how the Commonwealth can boost intra-Commonwealth trade and investment and support each other to increase their capacity to trade.
The meeting follows on from the Commonwealth Business Forum in Malta in November 2015. It takes place as countries consider the implications of Brexit on key industries across Commonwealth. Last year, trade experts at the Commonwealth Secretariat highlighted the importance of the UK market for many member countries, with the Secretary-General pledging support during post-Brexit trade negotiations. Since then, the Secretariat has assisted more than 15 countries with regard to trade competitiveness.
Notes to Editors
A press briefing will take place immediately after the Roundtable at 1pm on 10 March 2017 at Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HX.
To register your interest and confirm your place please contact [email protected] by 7 March 2017. Only media who have registered and confirmed their attendance will be admitted. Media should bring photographic ID (passport/driver’s licence/press card) and a copy of the email confirming you’re their registration to ensure entry. At the entrance, media will be given a pass giving them access to the briefing.
For requests for interviews with the organising partners, please contact
Victoria Holdsworth, Commonwealth Secretariat
Tel: +44 (0)20 7747 6165
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Hannah Daniel, Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council
Email: [email protected]
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 52 independent and sovereign countries. It spans the globe, including both advanced economies and developing countries, in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe and the Pacific. Its combined population is 2.4 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged under 30.
The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to create and sustain a Commonwealth that is resilient, peaceful and prosperous and that cherishes equality, diversity and shared values.
We help to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights. Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address threats such as climate change, debt and inequality.
