BREXIT Britain will cut red tape, newly appointed trade minister unveils...

Last year, the UK struck a comprehensive digital chapter as part of the Free Trade Agreement with Japan. Additionally, in June, negotiations were launched on a cutting-edge Digital Economy Agreement with Singapore in a move which will push the frontiers of digital trade still further. In the next few months, the UK will aim to tie up negotiations with other key partners including Australia and New Zealand. In doing so, the Government hopes it can bolster Britain’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Confirming the UK's CPTPP application in June, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Membership of the CPTTP free-trade partnership would open up unparalleled opportunities for British businesses and consumers in the fast-growing Indo-Pacific. "It’s an exciting opportunity to build on this country’s entrepreneurial spirit and free trading history to bring economic benefits across the whole of the UK." Ms Truss added: "CPTPP already has significant global presence, and our accession would send a powerful signal to the rest of the world that the UK, as an independent trading nation, will continue to champion free and fair trade, fight protectionism and slash tariffs at every opportunity."