TOKYO, Oct 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Britain today signed a trade agreement with Japan, its first major post-Brexit trade deal just as negotiations on its pact with the European Union are still ongoing.
AFP reported that the pact, which was agreed after just a few months of talks over the summer, would boost business between the two by £15.2 billion (US$19.5 billion). The deal was also seen as proof that the UK would be able to sign similar deals with other countries.
The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement covers sectors including food, textiles and technology.
Kyodo news agency meanwhile reported that Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and British International Trade Secretary Liz Truss signed the deal here.
They hailed the deal a “landmark” agreement promoting free trade and strengthening bilateral ties. It also reported that London sees the deal as a step to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership grouping 11 Pacific nations.
The UK is also in talks with the United States, Australia and New Zealand currently.
NNN-AGENCIES