Today in celebration of the 53 nation Commonwealth membership and to mark Commonwealth day, hundreds of flags will be flown across the country.
This celebration is particularly significant as we look forward to hosting the Commonwealth Games in the UK this year. As it‘s being hosted in my home town – and specifically the Opening Ceremony at Celtic Park - I am proud to see the Games come to Glasgow this summer. Not only will it bring thousands of people to this incredible city, but it will offer a whole host of opportunities for Glasgow and the rest of the UK in tourism, business and culture.
Within the context of the work we undertake at UKTI, Commonwealth Day is a great opportunity to reflect on the business relationships that we have with our Commonwealth partners across the world and showcase all that the UK has to offer. To this end, we are organising two flagship events during the games: the Commonwealth Games Business Conference (22-23 July) and the British Business House (23-25 July).
Both events will attract hundreds of business leaders to Glasgow and provide us with an exceptional platform to promote UK exports and the UK as a top investment destination. They also contribute to the Government’s trade and investment targets which include our aim to realise economic benefit from the 2012 Games and subsequent international events.
Delivering these events on time and to a high standard is a key priority for all of us at UKTI this year. I hope you join me in supporting these events and look forward to the summer of sport ahead, which promises to be rich in opportunity, prosperity and growth.