IPS Executive Director Speaks on Harnessing Trade Policy for Global Integration

28 – 29 May 2019
Pan Pacific Hotel, Singapore

IPS Executive Director, Dushni Weerakoon, presented a paper on ‘Infrastructure, Financing and BRI: Challenges for Emerging Economies’, discussing how to enhance trade connectivity, in light of key global economic trends, noting the challenges in mega connectivity projects.

She was speaking at the Commonwealth Consultation for the Asia-Pacific Region on Harnessing Trade Policy for Global Integration, co-organised by the Commonwealth and the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) at the National University of Singapore on 28 – 29 May 2019.

The meeting brought together more than 35 representatives from 14 countries in Asia and the Pacific and covered a broad range of topics, from improving physical connectivity through multi-modal mega-infrastructure projects in the region, to the benefits of digitisation and the sustainable use of the ocean or blue economy. It was the first such consultation to bring together member countries from two Commonwealth regions – Asia and the Pacific – to discuss key issues in regional and multilateral trade.