As the Commonwealth Games get underway in Glasgow, Prime Minister Gaston Browne is calling on member states to seize the moment to strengthen economic ties, arguing that the organisation’s greatest value lies not only in sport, but in its potential to drive trade, investment and job creation across its 56 member countries.

In a statement marking the opening of the Games, Browne said the excitement surrounding the sporting event should also serve as a reminder of the untapped opportunities that exist within the Commonwealth’s vast economic network.

“The Commonwealth should not enter our consciousness only when the Games begin. Its greatest contribution should be felt in the years between them – in the jobs created, the businesses built, and the opportunities opened to people across our family of nations,” the Prime Minister said.

Browne, whose government will host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda this November, said the summit will place a strong emphasis on trade and investment, with the aim of translating the Commonwealth’s shared history and institutions into meaningful economic gains.

He noted that the Commonwealth’s common language, legal traditions, institutions and extensive diaspora networks provide member states with a distinct advantage in doing business with one another. According to Browne, trade between Commonwealth countries is around 21 percent cheaper and approximately 20 percent greater than trade between otherwise comparable nations.

Despite representing a market of some 2.7 billion people, Browne said the Commonwealth remains one of the world’s most underutilised economic partnerships.

He argued that this year’s CHOGM should move beyond traditional discussions centred on shared values and instead focus on practical measures that encourage commerce, investment and entrepreneurship.

“If the Games celebrate what binds us together, the summit should ask how we make those bonds work harder for our people,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister also pointed to growing uncertainty in the global economy, including rising protectionism, shifting geopolitical alliances and weakening multilateral institutions, as reasons for Commonwealth countries to deepen cooperation.

He said the organisation’s long-standing institutional compatibility and mutual trust make it a reliable platform for expanding trade and investment, while emphasising that the Commonwealth complements rather than replaces regional organisations such as CARICOM and the East African Community.

Among the initiatives Browne believes member states should pursue are reducing tariffs, harmonising technical standards, streamlining customs procedures and making it easier for businesses, investors and skilled professionals to operate across Commonwealth markets.

He also advocated for stronger collaboration in developing Commonwealth supply chains, connecting investors with viable projects, creating investment-ready opportunities and establishing common digital standards to facilitate trade.

According to Browne, the Commonwealth already possesses many of the mechanisms needed to strengthen economic cooperation. However, he said real progress will depend on the willingness of member governments to implement those measures.

With Antigua and Barbuda preparing to host Commonwealth leaders later this year, Browne said the success of the November summit should ultimately be judged by tangible outcomes, including increased trade, greater investment, new jobs and expanded opportunities for citizens throughout the Commonwealth.