On February 1, the British government announced that it would formally apply to Japan and other countries to join the TPP = Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement in which 11 countries including Japan participate.
Just a year ago, Britain, which left the EU-European Union, has launched a strategy for economic growth by strengthening relations with countries other than the EU.
In particular, with an emphasis on strengthening relations in the Asia-Pacific region, following the Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan signed last year, 11 countries including Japan showed a strong desire to join the TPP = Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, a free trade zone. I have come.
Regarding this TPP, the British government announced on February 1 that it will formally apply for membership.
International Trade Minister Truss will meet with Japan's Minister for Economic Revitalization Nishimura, who chairs the TPP, and New Zealand, the coordinator of the agreement, to seek membership.
Prior to this, Prime Minister Johnson said, "The application to join the TPP shows the UK's willingness to do business with partners around the world on the best terms," and this spring, full-scale preparation for joining. Negotiations are expected.
The UK is the first non-member country to formally apply for membership in the TPP, and the focus is on whether it will be the first step towards expanding its membership.