Commenting on the UK plan to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership, Adam Marshall, Director General at the BCC said:

“A new partnership with one of the world’s largest free trade areas would only be a good thing for our business communities.  

"Firms will be keen to see the UK and members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership forge a deeper trading relationship, and we will work with the government to maximise this opportunity for UK businesses.

“However, we must not forget the single most critical trade agreement for our business communities remains the one we have with the European Union.”