The Commonwealth Secretariat, in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh, will host a high-level dialogue on November 23, kicking off the 3rd Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda Cluster Week.

The event will bring together commerce ministers from different Commonwealth member states, alongside leaders of regional and Commonwealth-wide private sector networks, to share experiences and hone strategies for enhancing trade in the rapidly expanding digital economy.

It will also be an opportunity to look at how businesses can transition to more resilient and sustainable models, supported by the governments, for a greener post-Covid-19 future.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said, "The disruptions triggered by Covid-19 have greatly accelerated the shift towards digital trade, which was already unfolding before the pandemic struck. We now stand at a pivotal crossroads where entire countries, sectors and companies are at risk of being left behind."

"This calls for coordinated action that can help build resilience, while catalysing a digitally-driven economic recovery across the Commonwealth that is both inclusive and sustainable. Both the public and private sector have crucial roles to play, so that we can all emerge faster and more sustainably from the Covid-19 crisis," she added.

Minister of Commerce for Bangladesh, Tipu Munshi, said, "The Commonwealth of 54 nations has enormous opportunities and unique advantages that are still underutilised. If we can bring our businesses and private sectors on board in digital trade, it could be instrumental for a green, resilient and inclusive recovery."

The high-level dialogue, which is open to the public, is the first of five online events lined up as part of the 3rd Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda Cluster Week. This series will focus on advancing the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda on Trade and Investment, a flagship programme launched in 2018 aimed at boosting trade among member nations to US$ 2 trillion by 2030.

The Cluster Week webinars will focus on the business-to-business, physical, digital, supply side and regulatory connectivity. The sessions will be convened virtually, with some of those made public for the first time. These meetings will discuss the progress made and examine the steps to restore and intensify trade during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.