During the period October 22 to 24, our Executive Director, Dr. Damie Sinanan, represented the Agency at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa. The event brought together leaders from 56 Commonwealth nations to address urgent global challenges and strengthen collaboration, with a central focus on resilience in areas like climate change, sustainable development, and economic stability.

At CHOGM, Dr. Sinanan participated in the Commonwealth Business Forum, joining esteemed panelists such as The Hon. Julianna O’Connor-Connolly JP, MP, Premier of the Cayman Islands, Roy Lagolago, Head of Secretariat, PACER Plus Implementation Unit & Labour Mobility Secretariat and Ayo Otuyalo, Group Managing Director, Prime Atlantic Group to discuss “Reducing Barriers to Trade.” Andrew McKellar, Chief Executive, of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, chaired the plenary. The panel also featured addresses from H.E Nana Addo Dankwa-Akufo Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana and The Rt. Hon. David Lammy MP, Secretary of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, United Kingdom.

During the discussion, Dr. Sinanan emphasized the importance of building Caribbean resilience through expanding trade, accessing new markets, and forging partnerships, particularly in Africa. He also highlighted digitalization as a critical success factor for MSMEs, underscoring the need for an enabling environment that fosters digital trade and supports small businesses in adopting innovative technologies.
Dr. Sinanan had the unique opportunity to briefly chat about the Sustainable Markets Initiative and the challenges and potential of small business development with His Majesty King Charles III, emphasizing the Agency’s commitment to building resilient economies across the region.

During his speech at the meeting of the heads, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali paid tribute to King Charles III, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to creating a better world and his dedication to reaching those who might otherwise be overlooked.

Key takeaways from CHOGM 2024 included the urgent need for action on climate adaptation, enhanced support for vulnerable nations, and investment in green initiatives. The creation of digital jobs, particularly for women and youth, emerged as a priority to address rising unemployment and migration.

At Caribbean Export, we remain dedicated to advancing a green economy transition through initiatives designed to boost CARIFORUM SMEs’ sustainability and competitiveness. We are working to align our region’s economic practices with global sustainability standards. Our upcoming Green Transition Grant Facility launching in 2025, is just one of the ways we aim to lead this transition.

Looking ahead to CHOGM 2026, which will be hosted in Antigua and Barbuda, our team is excited to continue advocating for the unique needs of small island states on the international stage and to champion the region’s progress in sustainable development and economic resilience.