Botchwey Eyes US$34 Billion in Projects to Drive Commonwealth Investment

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey says investment-ready projects valued at more than US$34 billion represent only part of a growing pipeline of opportunities aimed at strengthening economies across the Commonwealth.

Speaking after arriving in Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday afternoon, Botchwey expressed enthusiasm about connecting investors with projects through an online portal that will continue operating beyond the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

“This is not to say that those projects are all the projects that we have. These are the projects that have been prepared,” she said.

According to Botchwey, countries have submitted more than 150 projects. Those still requiring preparation will be developed and added to the portal, allowing prospective investors to identify opportunities that match their interests.

The investment push supports her ambition to see trade among the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries grow from approximately US$900 billion to US$2 trillion.

Botchwey, who is attending her first CHOGM as Secretary-General, was welcomed at V.C. Bird International Airport by Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene and Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Karen-Mae Hill. The reception continued in the airport’s VVIP Lounge.

She recalled visiting the country during the early stages of preparations and expressed excitement about returning as the gathering gets underway under the theme, “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”

Meanwhile, Greene expressed satisfaction with the work of the organising task force, reporting that the main operational areas were ready to support Antigua and Barbuda’s historic hosting.

The minister said he had addressed nearly 600 volunteers earlier that day and welcomed their readiness to represent the nation.

With approximately 5,000 visitors expected over the coming week, Greene argued that hosting CHOGM should be viewed as an investment in the country’s future.

“This is an investment in our future,” he said.

He pointed to the immediate benefits of welcoming thousands of people to a tourism-dependent economy, alongside the longer-term value of raising the country’s international profile.

As the smallest Commonwealth member state to host the meeting, Antigua and Barbuda also has an opportunity to strengthen its reputation as a destination for major international gatherings, Greene indicated.

He urged residents to contribute to the event’s success as the country welcomes Commonwealth leaders and delegations.