Trade

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The Commonwealth believes that access to international markets presents tremendous opportunities for poor countries to trade their way out of poverty. It also believes that an open trading system will help increase income levels and reduce poverty. The Commonwealth Secretariat is at the forefront of advocating the conclusion of a forward looking international trading regime that is open, free and development oriented. It does this through assisting developing member countries to gain skills to improve their understanding of trading rules and regulations. It also helps them to strengthen their effectiveness in participation in WTO negotiations, providing policy advice, research, advocacy, and other forms of technical assistance.

For example, the Hub and Spokes Project promotes the effective participation of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries in international trade negotiations and works to strengthen their capacity to formulate and implement trade policies. It does this through placing trade experts in selected ACP countries to provide this expertise.

Click here for more about the Commonwealth's work on 'Economics and Trade'

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