KINGSTON, Jamaica — Commonwealth ministers responsible for trade, industry and investment will meet in London from March 9-10 to kick-start an ambitious ‘Agenda for Growth’ across the Commonwealth’s 52 member countries.

The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) and the Commonwealth Secretariat jointly convene the meeting — the first of its kind.

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, a release from the Commonwealth Secretariat said.

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, the release added.

On March 9, the 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 Commonwealth Secretariat said.

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 said it has assisted more than 15 countries with regard to trade competitiveness.