(Commonwealth)__Commonwealth Trade Ministers from the Commonwealth in all parts of the world concluded two days of wide-ranging discussions at the 2025 Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM) in Windhoek, Namibia, with a firm and unified determination to enhance intra-Commonwealth trade, facilitate sustainable investment, and robustly support the multilateral trading system.
The inaugural Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting (CTMM) coincided with the inaugural Commonwealth Business Summit (CBS). Both these key events convened the policymakers, leaders of the business community, and development partners into close conversation to arrive at one shared vision for inclusive economic growth among the 56-member bloc.
Amongst its major deliverables, the CTMM was to approve a forward-looking Outcome Statement and a Commonwealth Statement on the Multilateral Trading System to be issued together by the members. The session proceeded to schedule the statement for the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Cameroon in 2026. It reaffirms the Commonwealth collective declaration of an equitable, inclusive, and rules-based international trading system.
A myriad of threats, including protectionist increases, climatic disruption, and economic fragmentation, are confronting the international trading system. Ministers stressed that it was important to capitalize on the inherent strengths of the Commonwealth. These include a 21% intra-Commonwealth trade advantage ushered in by shared language, aligned legal frameworks, and very high levels of mutual trust. One of the main objectives of the meeting was an effort to push intra-Commonwealth trade to US$2 trillion by 2030.
In the sessions, ministers explored new ways of strengthening trade in the Commonwealth, increasing cross-border investment, and accelerating digital and green economic change. They also touched on the best way to boost member economies’ resilience and align private sector activities with public policy objectives.
The Commonwealth funded various tangible projects to enhance trade and investment connectivity. The endorsement of the Working Group on Trade and Investment Operationalisation Plan was a significant achievement. It will manage priority activities for trade facilitation between member states through proper coordination and implementation.
Ministers also eagerly anticipated the creation of the Commonwealth Investment Network (CIN) as a go-between for the project identification and connection with serious investors. The CIN will provide a link between new opportunities and global capital, with particular emphasis on under-represented regions.
There was also significant work towards developing the Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade. The objective is to streamline and update cross-border e-commerce by reducing regulatory hurdles and creating a more facilitating digital trade regime. The model law is particularly relevant to small and developing member states looking to tap into the potential of digital economies.
The meeting also pinpointed leading sectors where increased investment and cooperation are needed, including the shift to clean energy, agriculture and food security, and the future of key minerals. Ministers called for public-private partnerships to drive such priorities. Support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and youth- and women-owned businesses was reiterated, particularly in the context of digital access and financial inclusion. Further improvement in digital readiness in vulnerable economies remains a key priority to improve inclusive international trade participation.
The CTMM rode the crest of momentum developed by the Commonwealth Business Summit, which wrapped up yesterday. Both sessions were run for the first time ever in tandem, highlighting the importance of matching the private sector with government trade policy. Future Commonwealth trade activity should pursue such an integrated approach.
Looking forward, trade ministers invited the Commonwealth Heads of Government to carry ahead what had been accomplished at Windhoek when they again gather at the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda. They reinforced the appeal to even deeper, intensified integration, protect the architecture of international trade, and ensure that trade remains a principal source of prosperity, sustainability, and resilience for all members.
