Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey says more than US$34 billion in investment-ready projects could help boost economic growth and trade among the organisation’s 56 member countries.

Speaking after arriving in Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday, Botchwey said more than 150 projects had been submitted, with further opportunities expected to be added to an online investment portal.

The platform will allow investors to explore available projects and will remain operational beyond the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Botchwey said the initiative supports her goal of increasing trade within the Commonwealth from approximately US$900 billion to US$2 trillion.

Attending her first CHOGM as Secretary-General, she 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.

Meanwhile, Greene said preparations were largely complete, with nearly 600 volunteers ready to assist during the meeting.

He said approximately 5,000 visitors were expected over the coming week, bringing economic benefits to the tourism-dependent nation.

Greene described hosting CHOGM as an investment in Antigua and Barbuda’s future, saying it would strengthen the country’s international profile and demonstrate its ability to host major global events.

Antigua and Barbuda is the smallest Commonwealth member state to host CHOGM, which is being held under the theme, “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Botchwey Eyes US$34 Billion in Projects to Drive Commonwealth Investment.