10 Dec 2024

UK-APAC Tech Forum: CPTPP Entry Into Force Launch - Event Round-up

A round-up of our CPTPP Launch event 2024, as part of the UK-APAC Tech Forum.


On the 10 December 2024, techUK and the Department for Business and Trade jointly hosted an event focused on UK's entry into the CPTPP, where we heard from a range of experts and businesses who have been operating in the Asia-Pacific markets and how they made it their export journey success a reality. 

Summary

Introduction to event - Richard Given, Deputy Director, FTA Utilisation team, Department for Business & Trade

What really is the CPTPP and why is it important for tech? - Valeria Vigilante - CPTPP Lead – FTA Utilisation, Department for Business and Trade

Panel - What immediate and direct benefits are there for businesses to take advantage of? - Q&A included

  • Moderator: Daniel Clarke, Policy Manager, International, techUK
  • Matthew Borthwick, Co-Founder and CEO, SCALERR
  • Andie McKeown, CEO, Logchain
  • James Markey, Founder – Universal Simulation (UNI SIM)
  • Gwen Edwards, CMO - Bexprt

This panel broadly covered the advantages and challenges for SMEs looking to export, particularly focusing on the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership).

Topics included overcoming barriers to international trade, utilising government support, and the importance of networking and knowledge-sharing in entering new markets. The panelists shared insights into digitalisation, leveraging trade agreements to reduce regulatory hurdles, and practical tips for breaking into growing markets in the Indo-Pacific region. Real-world examples from tech SMEs illustrated how relationships, confidence, and understanding export dynamics are crucial for success.

Full Video:

Matthew Borthwick

Matthew Borthwick

Co-Founder and CEO, SCALERR

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Daniel Clarke

Daniel Clarke

Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK

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Gwen Edwards

Gwen Edwards

CMO, Bexprt

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Richard Given

Richard Given

Deputy Director, FTA Utilisation team, Department for Business & Trade

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James Markey

James Markey

Founder, Universal Simulation (UNI SIM)

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Andie McKeown

Andie McKeown

CEO, LogChain

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Valeria Vigilante

Valeria Vigilante

Digital Trade and Singapore Lead - FTA Utilisation Team, Department for Business and Trade

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Contact the team to find out more: 

Oliver Alderson

Oliver Alderson

Policy and Public Affairs - Team Assistant, techUK

Daniel Clarke

Daniel Clarke

Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK

Tess Newton

Team Assistant, Policy and Public Affairs, techUK


techUK International Policy and Trade Programme activities

techUK supports members with their international trade plans and aspirations. We help members to understand market opportunities, tackle market access barriers, and build partnerships in their target market. Visit the programme page here.

 

 

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Meet the team 

Sabina Ciofu

Sabina Ciofu

Associate Director – International, techUK

Daniel Clarke

Daniel Clarke

Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK

Tess Newton

Team Assistant, Policy and Public Affairs, techUK