techUK welcomes the conclusion of UK-Japan EPA
Today, the UK and Japan have concluded the negotiations on an Economic Partnership Agreement. Since the EU-Japan agreement did not include data flows provisions, this is a significant upgrade for the UK tech sector.
The digital trade chapter in the UK-Japan EPA includes significant provisions on cross-border data flows with high levels of data protection, as well as measures against data localisation. In addition, there are several other elements that will help enhance digital trade between the two countries, such as on cryptography, open government data, net neutrality, electronic authentication, consumer protection and cooperation on emerging technology.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Julian David, CEO of techUK said:
“techUK welcomes the conclusion of the UK-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement with its comprehensive digital trade chapter. Today’s agreement improves an already flourishing relationship between the UK and Japan tech sectors and creates significant opportunities for trade and investment for both our countries. Since 2018, in partnership with JEITA, we have run a successful UK-Japan Tech Forum to enable our members to develop a closer relationship with Japan and we look forward to working with the Government and our partners in Japan to assist the tech sector in taking full opportunity of this agreement.”
Paul Patterson, Senior Vice President, Head of Fujitsu UK and Chair of the UK-Japan Tech Forum, added:
“I am delighted to see a further strengthening of the relationship between the UK and Japan with the completion of the UK-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. Tech companies in both the UK and Japan have been vocal in their support for this agreement and will welcome the robust chapter on digital trade. This agreement will support the flow of technology between our two countries. It will increase trade, create new opportunities for investment and drive collaboration on emerging technologies. Both Fujitsu and the UK Japan Tech Forum are looking forward to making this agreement a success.”