Prime Minister’s roundtable with senior representatives of Japanese businesses

United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May held a roundtable at 10 Downing Street on the 8 February 2018 with senior representatives of Japanese businesses that were significant investors in the UK.

The Prime Minister discussed the role of the UK's Industrial Strategy in making the UK an even more attractive destination for Japanese and international investment, as well as the UK-Japan trade and investment relationship.

Discussions also covered the opportunities and challenges presented by the UK’s exit from the EU.

The Japanese Ambassador the UK, Koji Tsuruoka, also attended the meeting and after said that Brexit threatened the profitability of Japanese companies already operating in the UK and wanted a frictionless trade deal between the UK and the rest of the EU following Brexit.

For 2016 and 2017 reaction by Japan to the prospect of Brexit click here.

• Primary Source

ESO: In Focus: Brexit - The United Kingdom and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/brexit-the-united-kingdom-and-the-european-union/

BBC News, 08.02.18: Japan's man in UK says unprofitable firms could not stay http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42994603

The Telegraph, 08.02.18: Japan issues stark warning on trade deal after No 10 meeting http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/02/08/japan-issues-stark-warning-trade-deal-no-10-meeting/

Japan: UK Embassy: Speech, 31.10.17: Speech at 'Parliament Event - Japanese Businesses and the UK’s Future Economy' at Portcullis House by Ambassador Koji Tsuruoka, 31 October 2017 http://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/files/000306150.pdf

Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry in the United Kingdom (JCCI UK) https://www.jcci.org.uk/en/Home.aspx

Chatham House: Expert Comment, 12.10.18: Despite Abe’s Invitation, the CPTPP Does Not Make Sense for Britain https://www.chathamhouse.org/expert/comment/despite-abe-s-invitation-cptpp-does-not-make-sense-britain

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