To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made in negotiations to advance post-Brexit trading relations with (1) Japan, and (2) China.
Answered on
4 March 2019
With Japan, the Prime Minister has agreed with Japanese Prime Minister Abe that the two countries should reach an ambitious bilateral agreement, building on the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. Japan has also expressed its support for future UK membership of the comprehensive and progressive agreement for trans-Pacific partnership (CPTPP). We are continuing to work with Japan to realise these opportunities for a stronger trading relationship.
The Prime Minister’s visit to China in January 2018 set a clear vision for an ambitious future trading relationship and she agreed with Premier Li to conduct a Joint Trade and Investment Review. The Review is an analytical exercise to explore all options to strengthen the relationship without pre-judging outcomes. We have made good progress with the Review and aim to conclude this year.