Decision

29 October 2023: Joint minutes of the second meeting of the Joint Committee of the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

Updated 4 April 2024

On 29 October 2023, the Joint Committee established under the Agreement between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) and Japan for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership (hereinafter referred to as “the Agreement”) held its second meeting in Osaka, Japan.

It was co-chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Ms. Kamikawa Yoko, and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, and Minister for Women and Equalities, the Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP, who visited Japan to attend the G7 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Osaka-Sakai.

1. Opening remarks

In their opening remarks, Minister Kamikawa, and Secretary of State Badenoch (hereinafter referred to as “both sides”) welcomed the effective implementation of the Agreement and expressed the intention to further strengthen the cooperative relations between Japan and the UK (hereinafter referred to as “2 countries”).

2. Adoption of the agenda and the Decision

The Joint Committee adopted the Decision on the establishment of the list of individuals who are willing and able to serve as arbitrators, and on the adoption of the Rules of Procedure of a Panel, the Code of Conduct for Arbitrators and the Mediation Procedure.

3. Overview of CEPA implementation and further cooperation

Both sides discussed the utilisation of the Agreement, especially trade in goods.

Minister Kamikawa noted that the Agreement is being actively utilised, as evidenced by the fact that in 2022 the value of imports to Japan from the UK benefitting from the Agreement increased approximately 1.5-fold compared to the previous calendar year. Secretary of State Badenoch also welcomed the active utilisation of the Agreement, mentioning the increase of the total trade value between the 2 countries. Both sides concurred on continuing their cooperation to promote even greater utilisation of the Agreement.

Both sides noted, through the cooperation achieved through the specialised committees, the constructive discussions on the approval and registration process of registered foreign lawyers, e-commerce, and offshore wind. Secretary of State Badenoch referred to the importance of e-commerce and digitalisation to improving the business environment. Both sides also underlined that the Agreement is a useful tool to facilitate cooperation in various fields, welcoming further positive exchanges.

Both sides also discussed trade and women’s economic empowerment and concurred in building concrete cooperative activities that will enable women to fully access and benefit from opportunities created by the Agreement.

Both sides welcomed the recent progress made through efforts of officials in order to ensure the protection of additional UK and Japanese geographical indications, and both sides expressed their intention to accelerate the process.

Regarding the issue related to sanitary and phytosanitary measures (hereinafter referred to as “SPS”), Secretary of State Badenoch welcomed the concrete outcome to allow exports of cooked poultry from the UK to Japan.

Minister Kamikawa welcomed the fact that, as a result of positive and constructive discussions between the UK and Japan in fora including the Specialised Committee on SPS, the UK had lifted import restrictions on Japanese food products, noting that the decision by the UK supports the reconstruction of the affected areas.

In addition, from the perspective of the reconstruction of the affected areas, Minister Kamikawa expressed appreciation for the understanding and support from the UK for Japan’s measures relating to the discharge of Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treated water into the sea. In response, Secretary of State Badenoch noted the UK’s full satisfaction with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) monitoring and judgements that the release of ALPS treated water is safe and consistent with internationally accepted safety standards. She also reiterated that the UK is fully supportive of Government of Japan’s actions.

4. Closing remarks

At closing remarks, both sides reaffirmed the importance of the Agreement and of strengthening economic ties between the 2 countries and confirmed to continue working closely through various fora including the Joint Committee.

Minister Kamikawa and Secretary of State Badenoch also discussed broader issues, including cooperation at the WTO and G7, CPTPP, and cooperation for supply chain resilience and addressing economic coercion.

Agenda

1․ Opening remarks of the Joint Committee

2․ Adoption of the agenda and the Decision

• adoption of the agenda of the meeting
• adoption of Decision No.1/2023 of the Joint Committee on the establishment of the list of individuals who are willing and able to serve as arbitrators, and on the adoption of the Rules of Procedure of a Panel, the Code of Conduct for Arbitrators, and the Mediation Procedure

3․ Overview of CEPA implementation and further cooperation

4․ Closing remarks of the Joint Committee