Japan’s economy revitalization minister Toshimitsu Motegi (Photo: Kyodo/VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Japan’s economy revitalization minister Toshimitsu Motegi haswelcomed the UK’s expression of interest in joining the Comprehensive andProgressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), according to KyodoNews.
The Japanese news agency reported that during talks in Tokyo, InternationalTrade Secretary Liam Fox expressed the UK's desire to join the TPP, and Japanoffered to provide necessary information and to act as an intermediary.
Kyodo quoted Motegi as saying at the outset of the talks that the UK’sexpression of interest in joining the CPTPP is a great encouragement to the CPTPP’smembers’ efforts to attach importance to a free trade system based on rules andto fight protectionism.
Motegi told reporters after the meeting that Britain's participationwould help promote multilateral trade systems that are "free, fair andrules-based."
The pact, signed in March, will enter into force 60 days after at leastsix signatories complete necessary domestic procedures, and only then can talksbegin on including additional members.
Japan, Mexico and Singapore have ratified the pact, and New Zealand,Australia and Vietnam are expected to follow within this year.
Other CPTPP members are Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia and Peru.Altogether, the members account for about 13 percent of the world' total grossdomestic product.
Aside from the UK, Thailand, Indonesia, Colombia, the Republic of Koreaand Taiwan have also indicated interest in joining the framework.-VNA
VNA
