Japan: We Want to Reach a Comprehensive Trade Agreement With Britain This Week

A Japanese government official said his country wants to reach a comprehensive deal with the United Kingdom on trade this week, indicating Tokyo’s desire to make progress on a bilateral trade pact before changing the government.

Japan’s ruling party will choose a new leader next week to succeed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who decided to step down for health reasons. His successor will become the next prime minister and form a new government.

The official said the political changes, which could lead to the selection of a new foreign minister to succeed Toshimitsu Motegi, increase the two countries’ need to speed up trade talks.

“We want to reach a broad agreement on trade talks with Britain this week under Foreign Minister Motegi,” the official said, a view echoed by another government official.

“Otherwise, a trade pact between Japan and Britain may not come into force January 1 next year considering Japan’s political situation,” the first official said.

The other official said, “If not, then a trade agreement between Japan and Britain may not enter into force on January 1 next year, given the political situation of Japan.”

The two officials spoke on the condition of anonymity to Reuters due to the sensitivity of the matter.