Dr Asif Iqbal
Excellencies, High Commisisoner, Ladies and gentlemen, Welcome to the launch of the India Commonwealth special edition. Today marks a significant moment as we gather to celebrate the culmination of collaborative efforts and diverse voices within the Commonwealth community.
In the pages of the Commonwealth magazine, we are privileged to share the vibrant and transformative experience by the India delegation at the Rwanda CHOGM Summit in 2022. It was indeed a moment of victory as the initiation of the India Commonwealth trade Council started with a few like minded people. It was a gathering of 250 civil society delegates from around the world who agreed on a set of key outcomes, which were put forward to Commonwealth leaders.
The outcomes spanned health, climate justice, financing, freedom of expression and people-centred governance. And, until the next meeting of Commonwealth leaders, it’s time to assess progress against these recommendations.
Deliberations have been sought with various commonwealth nations like Tanzania, Kingdom of Lesotho, Kingdom of Eswatini, Papua New Guinea, Namibia, Ghana, Australia, United Kingdom and many other countries that have continuously worked with Indian Economic Trade Organization.
Delegations from these countries visited India and IETO with the India Commonwealth Trade Council took charge and initiated various mechanisms focusing purely towards trade and economic diplomacy with these nations.
And with this edition, through compelling narratives and insightful reflections, we invite you to immerse yourself in the cultural richness and dynamic discussions that unfolded during this momentous gathering.
From fostering economic growth to championing sustainable development, the Chogm gathering encapsulated the essence of collaboration and shared commitment to a brighter future.
Within the pages of the Commonwealth magazine, we extend our narrative to include the impactful leadership that will be showcased during the forthcoming CHOGM Summit in Samoa in 2024. A big delegation of trade and industry will engage and immerse itself with the Commonwealth community to keep the dialogue deepening to a mutually benefitting society.
Thank you for being part of this momentous occasion. Here’s to a future of continued collaboration, understanding, and shared prosperity.
Thank you,
Dr Asif Iqbal
President of the Indian Economic Trade Organization
(IETO)