Commonwealth partnership programme

08 July 2019

Jersey’s Minister for External Relations has today agreed a partnership programme with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). Senator Ian Gorst attended the signing in London with Assistant Minister, Connétable Richard Buchanan.

Senator Gorst signed the programme with the Chair of the Council, Lord Marland of Odstock. It’s hoped a partnership with CWEIC will unlock opportunities for Jersey to increase its visibility and access to key decision makers in priority Commonwealth markets through CWEIC’s extensive cross-border networks and in-country expertise.

Lord Marland said: “I am delighted the Government of Jersey is strengthening its partnership with CWEIC.  Together we will continue to support the ambitions of the Government of Jersey to increase trade across the 53 members countries of the Commonwealth.”

Senator Gorst said: “I hope our partnership will create opportunities for Jersey to supplement our existing programme of engagement with priority global markets. Many trade bodies have a presence in the UK, whether through permanent representation or roadshow events, so CWEIC’s support will maximise opportunities and encourage UK-based programmes or inward delegations to visit Jersey.

“This would facilitate a more regular programme of high-level trade delegations. I also look forward to working closely with the Commonwealth Business Forum ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda in June 2020.”

Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council

The CWEIC was established in July 2014 with the support of the Commonwealth Secretariat and member Governments to be the Commonwealth’s apex business organisation. It is a not for profit membership organisation with a mandate from Commonwealth Heads of Government to promote intra-Commonwealth trade, investment and the role of the private sector across the 53 member countries.

CWEIC is responsible for organising the Commonwealth Business Forum alongside the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting on alternative years.

Day to day activity focuses on serving the interests of members, with a number of events each year providing Members with networking opportunities, access to leading Commonwealth figures from the worlds of government and business, and the chance to shape the Commonwealth’s business policies and agenda.