‘UK AND JAPAN SEEK QUICK TRADE DEAL’

Theresa May has said Britain and Japan will work “quickly” to establish a new economic partnership after Brexit.

The Prime Minister said the two countries wanted to see a “swift conclusion of the ambitious EU-Japan economic partnership agreement”, and that the UK would be free to sign new bilateral trade agreements in any interim period after Brexit.

Japan’s Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, said new investment by Japanese companies in the UK showed the “profound trust” the companies have in the British economy.

Japan’s corporate sector has raised concerns about the UK’s decision to sever ties with Brussels and the government previously made clear it wanted the country to remain in the bloc.

Speaking at a press conference in Tokyo, Mrs May said: “Announced earlier this month, our intention is that the UK will be free to sign new bilateral trade agreements with partners around the world in any interim Brexit period, and we have agreed here today that we want to see a swift conclusion of the ambitious EU-Japan economic partnership agreement.

“Prime Minister Abe and I have agreed that as we exit the EU we will work quickly to establish a new economic partnership between Japan and the UK, based on the final terms of that agreement.”

Speaking through a translator, Mr Abe said: “The fact that, after the decision on Brexit, Japanese companies are continuing to make new investment into the United Kingdom... shows the profound trust that Japanese companies have toward the British economy.

“It is important for the world economy to realise Brexit from the EU which is smooth and successful.

“With this in mind I have asked Prime Minister May for her continued consideration for ensuring transparency so as to minimise its impact on business activities, including Japanese companies.”