Carney Seeks Stronger Canada-Caribbean Trade Ties at Commonwealth Meeting

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for stronger trade relations between Canada and Caribbean nations, saying the existing economic partnership has only begun to realise its full potential.

Carney made the remarks on Tuesday during a working breakfast with Caribbean leaders ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda.

He noted that more than one million Canadians have roots in the Caribbean region, while trade between Canada and the region currently stands at about $4 billion annually.

Carney Meets Caribbean Leaders

The Canadian Prime Minister began his visit with a meeting with Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, who described Canada as an influential middle power within the Commonwealth.

Browne said Carney's contribution would be valuable in efforts to strengthen the organisation's global relevance.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand also attended the working breakfast, which brought together leaders and foreign ministers from several Caribbean countries, including the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

Carney said closer diplomatic and economic relationships were important as countries respond to changes in the global environment.

Commonwealth Offers Trade Opportunities

Trade is expected to be a major focus of the Commonwealth meeting, which brings together 56 member countries representing approximately 2.7 billion people.

Canadian officials have described the gathering as an opportunity to expand trade, investment and strategic cooperation, noting that Canada's trade with Commonwealth countries currently stands at about $100 billion.

Experts also see the meeting as an opportunity for Canada to strengthen diplomatic relationships and build support in international organisations such as the United Nations.

Canada Looks Beyond US Trade Dependence

Carney's visit is part of a series of international engagements aimed at diversifying Canada's economic and diplomatic relationships and reducing its dependence on the United States.

During his one-day visit to Antigua, he is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with leaders from Australia, Guyana and Ghana, alongside other Commonwealth engagements.

The modern Commonwealth was established in 1949 and includes countries with historical ties to the former British Empire, among them Nigeria, India, the United Kingdom and Australia.

The Canadian Press