Renewing our efforts to boost Commonwealth trade links

The most recent addition to the Chamber of Commerce family in Greater Birmingham has been the Commonwealth Chamber, writes Paul Faulkner.

I 'm delighted to say that it has taken off in great style and next week it will lead a comprehensive review of new trading possibilities in our Commonwealth Opportunities Week, now vital after Brexit.

The Covid crisis dictates that the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber must take place online but the interest is remarkable with many delegates already signed up for the intensive programme.

The highlight will be a virtual Commonwealth Conference on Thursday with a presentation and Q and A from two Scots. Ian Reid, chief executive of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, will share the platform with Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.

Both Ian Stuart were involved in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow so we look forward to an update on the prospects for next year 's Birmingham Commonwealth Games and how business can engage to take full advantage.

The Commonwealth Chamber, the tenth division of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), was created largely to help businesses open new trading opportunities around the world.

We believe that the Commonwealth represents a largely untapped market, and one which has been overshadowed by the UK 's relationship with the European Union. Currently, the EU accounts for 44 per cent of all UK exports, while Commonwealth countries make up only nine per cent.

So we believe that we must now focus on forging new links with Commonwealth Countries, and next week will include three webinars as well as Thursday 's conference.

The webinars will focus on Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games opportunities for business, culture differences when trading with different countries and the benefits of trading with the Commonwealth. So any business can learn about the myriad of opportunities that exist in the Commonwealth.

And Stefanie Bowes, international business manager at GBCC, who is one of the organisers, tells me that during the week there will be a renewed effort to boost international trade by providing vital details and insights on trading with Commonwealth countries.

Representatives from Chambers of Commerce and embassies from a variety of Commonwealth countries, including Canada, Australia, Singapore and India will be taking part in events throughout next week.

Virtual guests will also be able to network with representatives, as well as others attending the conference.

I 'm delighted we are hosting our first Commonwealth-themed week and conference because global trading will become fierce in the years ahead.

There is the very real prospect of the UK joining the CPTPP consortium of Pacific Rim trading nations. The acronym stands for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. It might sound ponderous but this group of nations, which the UK may join along with the US and China, will have an enormous impact on global trade.

While that partnership gets its act together, it is time for businesses in the UK and Commonwealth Countries to find out more about markets they may have never considered.

Next week provides an ideal opportunity. Anyone interested in joining us can get details at www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com

Paul Faulkner is chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

This column first appeared in the Birmingham Post