The ABC’s James Glenday comments (12.3.17) on potential trade avenues as a result of Britain’s Brexit negotiations that could prove to be an advantage for Australian exporters.
‘There are few institutions quite as peculiar as the Commonwealth. A coalition of some of the world’s “largest, smallest, richest and poorest countries”.
‘Its exact purpose, apart from acting as a reminder of its predecessor the British Empire, has always been loosely defined and many expect it to wither. But not those behind Brexit.
‘Some of the orchestrators of last year’s historic vote think now is the perfect time to roll back the years. For them, the Commonwealth is a diamond in the rough.
‘Trade deals, it’s claimed, will be easily done because of the Commonwealth’s common language, similar institutions and “familial bonds”.
‘Negotiations will supposedly serve as convenient “test runs” before Britain enters talks with global economic giants like the US and China.
‘… For Australia, the mother country’s current interest in the Commonwealth could be an advantage.’