Japan and the United Kingdom formally began negotiation on a free trade agreement on Tuesday, aiming to conclude a new trade agreement between both countries. The U.K. departed from the European Union in January and is in trade negotiations with dozens of countries. It is eager to make deals before the end of the year.

Trade between the countries was worth about $38 billion in 2019, with Japan Britain’s 11th largest export market and Britain the 12th biggest market for Japan. The British trade secretary Liz Truss kick off the talks in a videoconference with Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan Foreign Minister. “Japan is the leader of the TPP11( The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership). The new trade agreement with Japan is an important milestone towards the entry of TPP11 across the Asia-Pacific region” Truss said.

Resource: 日英通商交渉スタート　年内にも新協定発効目指す