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The Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) is delighted to have partnered with the UK’s Department for International Trade and the Antigua and Barbuda High Commission to the UK to deliver an online roundtable discussion between some of the UK’s most exciting companies which are looking to work and collaborate in the Caribbean and their peers in Antigua and Barbuda. The event, which took place on Friday 13 May 2022, is part of a series of high-level online dialogues which focus on increasing trade and investment between the Commonwealth, the West Midlands and wider UK, and form part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Business and Tourism Programme.

Organised to coincide with, and celebrate, The Queen’s Baton Relay arriving in Antigua and Barbuda in advance of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the online roundtable focused on sustainability and the role of businesses in meeting the challenge of climate change.

The roundtable was opened by the Rt Hon Sir Hugo Swire, Deputy Chair of CWEIC, who said “The power of sport well reflects the wider power of the Commonwealth, friendly nations, united by a shared history coming together in friendly competition for the betterment of all. This will help start discussions that we hope to continue in July, during the Business and Trade Programme supporting the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham”.

Representing the UK Government Darren Henry MP, the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to the Caribbean Commonwealth said, “The UK has a longstanding and cherished relationship with the Caribbean, and the Commonwealth Caribbean is an important component of Commonwealth trade and investment.  Climate change is a global issue, and any opportunity to bring knowledgeable people together to discuss this matter is a step in the right direction.”

Representing the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill, High Commissioner to the UK said, “Antigua and Barbuda continues to boldly advance strategic areas for trade and investment expansion with the United Kingdom. We recognise the huge opportunities in marine and renewable energy, technology, port services and education that make our Country an attractive and competitive emerging Caribbean market for innovation and investment”.

Climate change is a challenge for us all, but the Caribbean and the Commonwealth’s other small island states are on the front line. Government must lead the fight against climate change, but the private sector has key role to play – as innovators, solution providers and as advocates for more sustainable practices.

Today’s roundtable provides a platform to share experience, examine challenges and asses how those challenges can be resolved as opportunities for businesses. The discussions will continue as UK and international business leaders are welcomed to UK House as a part of the Business and Tourism Programme during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The Business and Tourism Programme is the first accredited Commonwealth Games programme of its kind. The programme, being delivered by a range of regional and national partners including the Department for International Trade and the West Midlands Growth Company, builds on the profile of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games to cement the West Midlands as a globally sought-after location to invest in and trade with. If you are a business leader and would like to register to attend our next event, UK House – The Commonwealth Business Hub, in Birmingham, UK during 28 July to 08 August 2022 – please register your interest today here.