Commonwealth
The Commonwealth is an association of 53 independent states. It represents one third of the global population with a diverse membership representing every region of the world. It accounts for one fifth of world trade and makes up about 40% of the WTO membership. The Commonwealth is unique in bringing together its members consulting and cooperating to promote international understanding and world peace. The UK through the Commonwealth is committed to working together amongst other things to eradicate poverty through a stronger system of world trade, which benefits countries at all stages of development.
During the Heads of Government meeting in Malta (2005) the Commonwealth issued the Valetta Statement on Multilateral Trade.This statement:
- Recognises the fundamental contribution international trade makes to poverty elimination and sustainable development.
- Highlights the importance of the Doha Development Agenda in cementing in place a rules-based and equitable international trading system.
- Reinforces the Commonwealth’s full support for the G8’s ‘Aid for Trade’ initiative and the elimination of all export subsidies by 2010.
- Endorses the Commonwealth’s continued support for trade liberalisation as a tool for poverty reduction and eventual eradication. Along with other programmes aimed at diversifying the economies of smaller states whilst continuing to strengthen the capacity of their developing members to participate in international trade.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government recognised that poverty and under-development continues to challenge many African member countries and reiterated their support for New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD),aimed at consolidating various Commonwealth programmes and placing them under one framework, and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). Both were recognised as positive tools for promoting economic development, good governance, democratic institutions and practices .
For further information on NEPAD, APRM and the Commonwealth see related links on right of this page.
Contacts:
Ben Price
Tel: 0207 215 3377
Fax: 0207 215 2234
Email: ben.price@berr.gsi.gov.uk