Commonwealth
The Commonwealth is made up of 54 nations, representing
one third of the global population, with members in every
region of the world. It accounts for approximately one fifth
of world trade and makes up about 40% of the WTO membership.
The Commonwealth is unique in bringing together representatives
from each of the key groupings within the World Trade Organisation,
including the G20, G90 and the Cairns Group. The UK is committed
to working within the Commonwealth to build a stronger system
of world trade which works for the benefit of countries
at all stages of development.
The
Commonwealth has a key role to play in helping to secure
a successful world trade deal this year. It will be important
to build and sustain Commonwealth political momentum in
the WTO negotiations, as we seek to secure a strong Commonwealth
contribution at the Heads of Government meeting prior to
the Hong Kong Conference.
In
February the Commonwealth Secretariat, with strong support
from the DTI, held a high profile seminar on the Doha Development
Agenda (DDA) for London based High Commissioners. The event
was opened by Don McKinnon (Commonwealth Secretary General),
speakers included Peter Mandelson (EU Commissioner for Trade),
Douglas Alexander (UK Minister for International Trade and
Investment), Trevor Clarke (Barbadian Permanent Representative
and head of the Commonwealth Group in the WTO), and Kamalesh
Sharma, Indian Ambassador to the UK. The seminar aimed to
raise awareness of the DDA and to increase levels of understanding
and support for trade liberalisation (as an engine of economic
growth, poverty reduction and development) throughout the
Commonwealth.
The
Secretary General, Commissioner for Trade and the Minister
for Trade, underlined their political commitment towards
ensuring that development remained at the heart of the DDA.
All speakers highlighted the need for the Commonwealth to
play an active role in securing an ambitious outcome to
the Round. It was clear that Commonwealth representatives
are keen to secure a conclusion to the Round which removes
barriers to trade, especially those which adversely impact
on small, weak and vulnerable economies.
More
information about the Commonwealth is available on the Commonwealth Secretariat's
website.
Contact:
Nicola Robinson
Tel: 020 7215 2332
Fax: 020 7215 2235
Email: nicola.robinson@dti.gsi.gov.uk
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