By Elishya Perera
DHAKA, Bangladesh (CWBN)_ The Commonwealth Secretariat in partnership with Bangladesh, will host the 3rd Regulatory Commonwealth Connectivity Cluster Meeting, starting November 23.
The meeting, which will be held virtually this year, is aimed at develop a digitally-inclusive, sustainable recovery, following the Covid-19 pandemic-induced economic crisis, and will bring together trade ministers and private sector networks across the Commonwealth.
“The disruptions triggered by Covid-19 have greatly accelerated the shift towards digital trade, which was already unfolding before the pandemic struck. We now stand at a pivotal crossroads where entire countries, sectors and companies are at risk of being left behind,” Patricia Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary-General said.
According to Minister of Commerce for Bangladesh, Tipu Munshi, the cooperation between businesses and private sectors of the Commonwealth nations, which has “enormous opportunities and unique advantages”, would be imperative for a “green, resilient and inclusive recovery”.
The Commonwealth Connectivity Cluster Meeting, was adopted at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2018, to develop trade, cooperation and investment between Commonwealth nations with the goal of expanding intra-Commonwealth trade to US$2 trillion by 2030.
The agenda for this year’s forum includes high-level dialogue on development of digital infrastructure, digital economy and digital transformation, digital agriculture, digital fisheries, as well as a regulatory framework to support micro, small & medium-sized enterprises, and expanding business-to-business cooperation within the Commonwealth.
The discussions will be led by the Gambia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Barbados, Vanuatu and Bangladesh, and co-convened by the private sector.
Edited By Chathushka Perera
