“We meet at a moment of great disruption and uncertainty. The sweeping tariffs implemented last week shook markets around the world. Some target Commonwealth countries directly. All of us are affected. This is very far from business as usual. And business as usual wasn’t working for the Commonwealth. It underlines why Commonwealth cooperation on trade has never been more urgent — or more valuable. Because in a time of fragmentation, we offer connection. Amid uncertainty, we offer trust. When others raise barriers, we build bridges.”
The Commonwealth trade advantage
Today, trade among Commonwealth countries is 21 percent cheaper. We invest more in one another than ever before. We share legal systems, language, and long-standing relationships. This is our Commonwealth Trade Advantage.
But it must become a Commonwealth trade opportunity — for everyone.
A clear agenda: inclusion, innovation and investment
As secretary-general, my approach is clear: trade must be inclusive, innovative, and investable.
- Inclusive, by ensuring that all Commonwealth nations — especially small states, landlocked countries, and underrepresented businesses — are part of our larger Commonwealth market. We collectively benefit from a market size for 2.7 billion people and position all our Member Countries and businesses to participate meaningfully in global markets.
- Innovative, by embracing digital trade, harmonising regulation, and supporting entrepreneurs — particularly women and young people — to drive the economy of tomorrow.
- Investable, by strengthening partnerships, unlocking blended finance, and channelling capital to where it is needed most to bring the greatest impact to all of us.
Turning dialogue into delivery
This is more than a vision – it is a work programme which will become a central priority for the Commonwealth under my leadership. We will listen, we will innovate, we will collaborate – and together we will place trade, investment and economic resilience at the heart of Commonwealth’s agenda with one simple goal: to ensure that every Commonwealth citizen in every Commonwealth country — regardless of geography or GDP — can see the value of our cooperation in their daily lives.
I am firing the starting gun on the race to the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda next year. It is a race that will run through the Commonwealth Business Summit, which will take place in Namibia this June.
For the first time, ministers, CEOs, SMEs and development institutions will sit side-by-side to develop real, practical solutions.“We intend to tackle trade barriers, strengthen digital inclusion, support small businesses, and open investment opportunities in key sectors — from infrastructure and agriculture to energy transition and e-commerce. That is how we bridge the gap between policy and action — and this is how we will deliver. Because every Commonwealth citizen — in every region — deserves to see the impact of our cooperation in their lives.
This is our moment
The Commonwealth today is a network of purpose and promise. A platform for progress. A home for ambition. And at a time when trust is low, when multilateralism is fraying, and when too many are left out – our Commonwealth stands in bold relief as the place to do global business.
No other organisation combines what we do – the shared values, the global reach, the deep trust.
The only barrier to success is the fear of thinking big. We can and must turn our shared values into shared prosperity.
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