Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is exploring cheaper imports from Commonwealth countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom, as part of efforts to reduce living costs.
Speaking at the closing press briefing of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on Wednesday, Browne said stronger trade among member countries could help make goods more affordable while creating opportunities for investment and employment.
“One of the ways in which we can certainly assist our people to reduce poverty and to improve their standard of living is through trade,” he said.
Browne said the government had engaged a company in the United Kingdom and received preliminary information suggesting prices could be about 20% below those available from traditional sources. He did not provide a clear breakdown of the goods involved or indicate when residents might see lower retail prices.
Canada is also being considered as a potential source of more affordable imports, he said.
Responding to a question about the practical benefits of his meetings with Commonwealth leaders, Browne said Antigua and Barbuda wanted to identify opportunities to purchase goods more cheaply than it currently does.
He disclosed that the government had submitted a proposed cooperation agreement to Canada for consideration, with discussions also covering education and other areas of bilateral cooperation.
The push for cheaper imports forms part of a wider Commonwealth effort to expand trade among its 56 member countries.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey said a newly launched trade portal would help countries and businesses identify goods and services available within the organisation.
The portal initially featured 15 countries that were ready to present their offerings. Botchwey said the intention was to include all 56 members within three months.
“If it’s a particular item that you need as a Commonwealth country, that’s your first port of call,” she said.
Businesses and governments would be able to identify potential suppliers through the portal and make contact directly or seek assistance from the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Botchwey said trade and finance ministers, investment authorities and business leaders would meet next year to examine barriers to trade and ways to reduce or remove them.
She identified an immediate Commonwealth goal of reaching US$2 trillion in trade among member countries by 2030.
For Antigua and Barbuda, Browne said the aim was to turn those wider trade efforts into practical benefits, including cheaper goods and improved living standards.
Source: Antigua News Room PM Gaston Browne looks to Commonwealth suppliers to help lower living costs.