Japan’s minister welcomes UK’s application to join CPTPP trading bloc

Japanese Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said on Monday he welcomed Britain’s application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive (NYSE:PGR) Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade bloc.

Britain is Japan’s partner and shares its values, Nishimura minister said at the beginning of his meeting with Britain’s trade minister and his New Zealand counterpart.

Japan is the trade pact’s chair this year, and Nishimura said it would lead discussions on expanding the bloc.