Small states and the commonwealth secretariat

Abstract

This chapter reviews the role of the Commonwealth Secretariat in promoting the interests of small states. Thirty-two of the Commonwealth's 53 member countries are small states, mostly with populations of less than 1.5 million. The Secretariat attaches high priority to supporting their integration in the global economy, building their economic resilience and competitiveness. The Secretariat provides advocacy, policy advice and technical assistance to small states, with a focus on the transition to the changing global trade regime, in an attempt to strengthen their capacity to exploit new opportunities arising from globalisation.