New Delhi, Sept. 17 -- Global economic policies should be people-centric, inclusive and development-oriented. Parliamentarians have a vital responsibility to ensure meaningful inter-parliamentary dialogue to shape a more equitable global trading system. Mr. Ram Prasad Paul, the Deputy Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, said this at a host-branch workshop of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.
The theme of the workshop was, "Promoting Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue for Inclusive Fair Trade in Diverse Economies, Addressing Inequality and Underdevelopment in the Commonwealth and Beyond." In his speech, Mr. Paul highlighted the importance of building an open, transparent, inclusive, equitable, non-discriminatory and rules-based international trading system, particularly one that provides meaningful opportunities for developing, least-developed and vulnerable economies.
The 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) 2026 started on September 17 and will conclude on September 19. Under the leadership of Mr. Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, a high-level delegation from India has joined the CPA conference. Mr. Rathindra Base, Speaker of West Bengal, is also participating in the event.
The theme of the conference is 'Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order'. Delegates from different countries discussed some of the most pressing global issues, including climate change, artificial intelligence, human rights, peace and parliamentary cooperation. The delegates also exchanged their experiences and perspectives with parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth to strengthen international cooperation and democratic institutions and deliberate on the role of parliaments in addressing contemporary global challenges.
Mr. Paul said, "The true measure of trade should not be limited to the growth of exports alone. Trade must ultimately contribute to employment generation, poverty reduction, innovation, economic resilience and improved quality of life for people across all sections of society."
He also focused on strengthening Commonwealth cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity and knowledge sharing, while ensuring greater participation of MSMEs, women and youth in regional and global markets.
He also spoke about India's experience of trade-led growth and inclusive development. India's economic reforms, expanding global trade, manufacturing and services sectors, along with initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India, Skill India, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes, PM Gati Shakti and Digital Public Infrastructure, have contributed significantly towards strengthening competitiveness, creating employment and expanding opportunities.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.