The UK has officially signed an economic partnership agreement with Japan.
The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), was agreed in principle聽last month and is the first聽major鈥痶rade鈥痙eal post-Brexit.
The government claims the agreement will boost trade with聽Japan by 拢15.2bn over the next 15 years, or a 0.07% boost compared to 2018.
It said that UK businesses will enjoy tariff-free trade on 99% of exports to the country, and called the countries聽“two of the world鈥檚 most technologically advanced nations.”
Among the benefits touted by the government is digital and data provisions, including the “free flow of data”, a commitment to net neutrality and a ban on unjustified data localisation which would “prevent British businesses from having the extra cost of setting up servers in Japan”.
It said this would help benefit UK FinTech firms operating in Japan, such as Revolut and Transferwise.
Other sectors it said would see enhancements include financial services, food and drink, and creative industries.
Big Japanese firm which have invested in Britain include automotive firm Nissan and supplier Hitachi, which will benefit from reduced tariffs on parts, it said.
The government is due to publish a full report on the agreement which will include any significant differences or enhancements between the current CEPA deal and the existing agreement Japan has with the EU.
International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss said of the deal:鈥�”Today is a landmark moment for Britain. It shows what we can do as an independent trading nation, as we secure modern and bespoke provisions in areas like tech and services that are critical to the future of our country and the reshaping of our economy.”
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said in September the talks with the UK government had been difficult 鈥渂ut we managed to reach an agreement in principle with extraordinary speed, in just three months鈥�.
CEO of TechUK, Julian David said in September: “TechUK welcomes the conclusion of the UK-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement with its comprehensive digital trade chapter.”
He said the agreement “improves an already flourishing relationship between the UK and Japan tech sectors and creates significant opportunities for trade and investment for both our countries.”