DPM Gan discusses trade, investment and international cooperation with Commonwealth leaders at CHOGM 2026.
Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Trade) Gan Kim Yong led a Singapore delegation to the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2026) in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, from 2 to 5 November 2026. Under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth”, the meeting provided a platform for Commonwealth leaders to discuss shared priorities, including trade, investment, climate resilience, innovation, equality and sustainable development.
DPM Gan was accompanied by Mrs Gan and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Home Affairs Sim Ann. During the meeting, he attended the opening ceremony, participated in the Executive Session and joined the Leaders’ Retreat on Jumby Bay Island.
At the Executive Session, DPM Gan spoke about the importance of reducing trade barriers, building trust and maintaining international partnerships amid global uncertainty. He also highlighted the role of the private sector in supporting international trade and investment, noting that while governments establish frameworks and facilitate trade, businesses drive commercial activities and investment flows.
During the Leaders’ Retreat, Commonwealth leaders exchanged views on responding to global disruptions and sustaining international cooperation. DPM Gan emphasised the importance of keeping trade flowing, strengthening supply chains and supporting one another during periods of disruption. He also highlighted the Commonwealth’s diverse membership as an opportunity for countries with different circumstances and priorities to work towards shared objectives.
On the sidelines of CHOGM 2026, DPM Gan met several leaders and representatives, including Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Brunei Minister of Finance II Amin Liew Abdullah, Kenyan Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
He also met Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne. The meeting took place as Singapore and Antigua and Barbuda commemorated 20 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. DPM Gan thanked Prime Minister Browne and the people of Antigua and Barbuda for hosting the Commonwealth meeting.
DPM Gan also acknowledged Commonwealth member states that supported Ambassador Rena Lee’s candidature for the International Court of Justice.
Source: MFA
