The UK Commonwealth Summit taking place in the UK between 9 and 10 March has planned to set free trade deals on course as Britain exists EU, will put other leading commonwealth countries including India on course for greater trade liberalisation, The Sunday Times has reported.
More than 30 ministers and around 60 business chiefs will attend the summit in London. They are expected to sign an agreement that will pave the way for a free-trade deal between Britain and countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada after Brexit, the report said. Ministers and business leaders will chair events on key issues such as finance, technology, good business practice and attracting inward investment at the event.
Lord Marland, Chairman of the UK-based Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council has planned the summit to set free trade deals on course as Britain exits the European Union (EU).
The newspaper said, "The summit, to be attended by Liam Fox, the [UK] international trade secretary, will also seek to put other leading Commonwealth countries such as South Africa, Nigeria and India on course for greater trade liberalisation."
Lord Marland told the paper, “We will have more than 30 Commonwealth trade ministers under the same roof for the first time ever. I'm hoping we can initiate a Commonwealth trade accord which will endorse the benefits of free trade.
“There are huge opportunities for Britain. Everyone in the Commonwealth speaks English and it is underpinned by the UK rule of law. We enjoy a lot of cultural links like sport as well.”