British Chamber of Commerce Singapore Orient Magazine Article – September 2018
Chris Pook, Director for Trade, Investment and Prosperity, Southeast Asia

The Asia Pacific is a region of unparalleled opportunity, crisscrossed by numerous trade agreements and regional initiatives focused on supporting economic development and increasing prosperity. It is home to some of the world’s most advanced economies and largest emerging markets, offering huge opportunities to big and small companies alike.

But the region is not without its challenges. In many countries, a challenging business environment and behind-the-border barriers make it difficult for companies to access the market and establish a presence in the region, in some cases compounded by political uncertainty and change.

All of this makes the region a top priority for the UK. The Asia Pacific region is home to the some of the world’s fast-emerging economies and established trading partners, such as Singapore, Australia and New Zealand and it is no coincidence that three of the first four UK government consultations on future trade agreements focus on the Asia Pacific.

We are seeking views on possible Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Australia and New Zealand; and a possible intention to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which includes Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand and four SE Asian countries (Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam). In the first three weeks, over 400 consultation responses have been received with many more expected.

To read the full magazine article from Chris Pook, please click the link below.