Antigua and Barbuda is preparing to host business leaders from across the Commonwealth later this year as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), with Prime Minister Gaston Browne describing the event as a major opportunity for investment and trade expansion.

Speaking during an ABS interview, Browne highlighted the importance of the Commonwealth Business Forum, which will take place alongside CHOGM in November.

“That will be one of the important fora that will be held here in which a lot of business people will come to our country and they will share technological developments, they will share investment opportunities,” Browne said.

He added that the government intends to ensure local entrepreneurs and companies are fully represented.

“We certainly want to make sure that our local business people are at the table,” he said.

Browne indicated that one of the central aims of the forum is to stimulate increased trade and investment among Commonwealth member states, particularly in light of global geopolitical tensions.

“One of the major objectives is to help to stimulate more inter-Commonwealth investment and trade,” he said.

The prime minister also suggested that strengthening economic ties within the Commonwealth could help mitigate geopolitical risks and create new markets for goods and services.

With 56 member countries and a combined population of about 2.7 billion people, the Commonwealth represents a significant global network. Browne said Antigua and Barbuda intends to use the upcoming meeting as a platform to reinvigorate the grouping’s economic relevance.

“We have a very important role to play … to reinvigorate the Commonwealth, and it should start right here in Antigua,” he said.

The Commonwealth Business Forum is expected to attract regional and international investors, policymakers and industry leaders for discussions on trade, technology, energy and development cooperation.