Like-minded countries must reduce trade barriers, build mutual trust and deepen partnerships in areas of shared interest, such as digital trade and sustainability.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Trade) Gan Kim Yong made these points at an executive session following the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in St John’s, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, on Wednesday (4 November) morning.
DPM Gan also spoke about the importance of strengthening ties with the private sector to promote trade and investment flows.
During the meeting, DPM Gan held bilateral talks with leaders from several countries and representatives of international organisations. He met World Trade Organization (WTO) director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the sidelines of the summit, where they exchanged views on the multilateral trading system and cooperation.
DPM Gan meets leaders from several countries
DPM Gan’s bilateral meetings also included talks with Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Brunei’s minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and second minister of finance and economy Amin Liew Abdullah, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and Kenyan Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
DPM Gan is leading Singapore’s delegation to the summit from Monday to Thursday (2 to 5 November). This year’s meeting, themed “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth”, focuses on issues including climate resilience, trade, innovation and sustainable development.
Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Sim Ann is accompanying DPM Gan on the visit.
Ahead of the summit, Sim attended the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States and the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting, with discussions focusing on broadening investment and partnerships for small states to strengthen their resilience amid a complex international environment.
