Boost for women and young people in trade plans

WOMEN AND young people will be at the centre of plans to boost trade across the Commonwealth announced by Theresa May as its leaders gather for a summit.

The heads of the 53 nations will meet in London and Windsor for talks on the major challenges facing their 2.4 billion citizens.

The Prime Minister will call for the group to become a beacon of free trade at a time of fragile international growth and continued protectionism.

Mrs May will also announce cash and projects to help increase the number of women in business and cut high rates of youth unemployment.

She said: “Our Commonwealth family already accounts for one fifth of global trade, and we must continue to work together to build further upon this solid foundation by building on our existing trade links and establishing new ones.

“I firmly believe that regardless of which corner of the Commonwealth you are from, we all will benefit from the jobs created by doing so.

“Every one of those new jobs will mean another family seeing their hard work rewarded, and the spread of greater opportunity.

“The initiatives I have announced will see the Commonwealth being better able to respond to its youth, rise to the challenges they face and answer their ambitions for a better life.

“In taking decisive action today, we have begun a positive change which will echo through the generations.

“I am also proud that important action taken at this summit will mean that more women will be able to overcome barriers which keep them from participating in trade.”

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) gathers every two years to discuss shared interests and challenges.