Attuning to the changing times

While looking up to a bigger event for resolution of long-standing differences in the trade approaches between the rich and the poorer countries impelled by unfinished trade negotiations over time, we believe, nevertheless, that charity begins at home; the relatively more powerful members of the Commonwealth will have to open up their markets even more to the less developed within the fold. The Commonwealth boasts G-8 members like Britain and Canada, let alone some major players in the economic groupings straddling the five continents where C'wealth is spread out.

Britain and Canada have stated that they could identify gaps in their economies where they can accept temporary migrants. Quite a few C'wealth countries with higher educational traditions have had the problem of brain drain depleting their human resource in the premium category, while the employment of unskilled and semiskilled people overseas is hugely benefiting the manpower exporting countries. In-between is the issue of illegal migration which can be avoided if the natural flow of labour is accepted in the same way that natural flow of capital is welcomed by the richer countries.

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The decision to work for the elimination of all forms of export subsidy by 2010 commends itself for the huge potential it has to provide a level playing field to trade operators.

Last but not least, the leaders have committed themselves to tackling terrorism by addressing its 'subtle undercurrents' and concentrating on fostering inter-faith understanding among the member countries.