Following the presentation to Chapter Chairs during the AIB Conference in Dubai, the Commonwealth Research Network on International Business (CRN-IB) founded by Professor Peter Buckley with others will be developing its activities (http://lubswww.leeds.ac.uk/isabc/cw-research-network/). By August, the web site will provide access to additional resources from events and reports CRN-IB has contributed to with other related material and set out future plans. 

For the interim report on the first Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting held in London in March 2017, see http://www.cweic.org/commonwealth-trade-ministers-meeting-interim- report-on-private- sector-day/ 

This provides a significant opportunity for the policy (and private sector) engagement much discussed in Dubai especially with the UK chairing the Commonwealth from April 2018 for two years. 

Also see information below on an event on Harnessing the Commonwealth Advantage in International Trade on 13th July 2017 in London. There is no registration fee and while notice is short, anyone who is able to attend is welcome and encouraged to do so. 

Harnessing the Commonwealth Advantage in International Trade - 13th July 2017 

Event Venue: 30 Crown Place, Earl Street, London, EC2A 4ES 

Summary 

Commonwealth members already enjoy a trade advantage without any formal collaboration. We tend to trade on average around 20% more compared to other partners and benefit from lower trade costs arising from our commonalities. These results suggest potential for enhanced cooperation to further stimulate the Commonwealth trade advantage in contemporary trade, finance and investment flows. Getting our trade, finance and investment governance structures fit for purpose within the context of 21st century trade – in anticipation of the next production revolution – is a prerequisite to regenerative development. This one-day event organised in collaboration with Pinsent Masons and the London Wealth Forum will explore how the Commonwealth advantage in international trade can be more effectively harnessed to this effect. 

Agenda 

9:00-9:30am REGISTRATION AND COFFEE 

9.30-10:00am Opening Remarks - The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth - Jason Collins, Head of Tax, Litigation & Regulatory, Pinsent Masons LLP Moderator: Richard Moir, CEO London Wealth Forum

10:00-11:15am Session 1. The Commonwealth in the Changing Global Trading Landscape: This panel will explore the profound shifts arising in the global trading landscape and the Commonwealth trade advantage within this context. Panel: - Chris Giles, Financial Times - Sir Mark John Boleat, City of London - Lorand Bartels, Cambridge University Moderator: Jodie Keane, Commonwealth Secretariat, London

11:15–11:30am TEA/COFFEE BREAK

11:30–1.00pm Session 2. Enhancing Connectivity across the Commonwealth: New forms of trading relationships are arising as a result of profound technological advances. In view of these transformations, this panel will explore 21st century trade support measures. 

Panel: - Dirk Willem te Velde, Overseas Development Institute, London - Jane Drake-Brockman, Senior Services Advisor, International Trade Centre - Michael Sippitt, Commonwealth Environmental Investment Platform Moderator: Stèphanie Noël, International Trade Lawyer and Consultant to Pinsent Masons

1:00–2:00pm LUNCH 

2:00-3:30pm Session 3. Accessing Finance and Alternative Investment Vehicles: Upgrading productive structures requires access to finance. In turn, this requires institutional support and governance capabilities. This panel session will explore experiences across the Commonwealth and situate this discussion within the context of regenerative development. 

Panel: - Professor Machiko Nissanke, Emeritus Professor, SOAS - Seth Terkper former Ghanian Minister of Finance - Daniel Hanna, Global Head of Public Sector and Development Organisations for Standard Chartered. Moderator: Howard Haughton, Commonwealth Secretariat 

3:30-3:45pm TEA/COFFEE BREAK

3:45- 5:00pm Session 4. The Tax and Trade Nexus – Developments in Tax Treaty Arrangements The taxation of cross-border flows has a significant influence on investment and cross border trade. In the context of significant and ongoing broader reform related to international taxation this session focusses on developments related to bilateral tax treaty arrangements. 

Panel: - Jeremy Webster, Senior Associate, Pinsent Masons - Dr Martin Hearson, Department of International Relations, London School of Economics - Richard Hay, Partner, Stikeman Elliott - Duncan Onduru, Executive Director, Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators Moderator: Lucas Rutherford, Commonwealth Secretariat 

5:00-5:30pm Workshop Close Master of Ceremony: Richard Moir, CEO London Wealth Forum

5:30-7:00pm Reception Hosted by Pinsent Masons 

Spaces are limited. For information and registration please contact Richard Moir. Tel 07803048451. RSVP by 11 July. [log in to unmask]