Japanese companies call for EU-Japan trade deal to apply to UK during transition

[LONDON] Japan's leading business bodies have called for Tokyo's trade deal with the European Union to apply to Britain during the around two year transition phase that will help smooth the UK's exit from the bloc.

In a joint statement, the Japan Business Council in Europe (JBCE) and Keidanren, the Japan Business Federation, also said they wanted trade and regulations between Britain and the EU to remain as close as possible after the transition phase.

Japan has agreed a trade deal with the EU in principle but it is not yet in force.

"If the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement has entered into force before Brexit, we call upon the EU, the UK and Japan to take necessary measures so that all parties, including the UK, benefit from the agreement ... and for the duration of the transition period," they said.

REUTERS