[Title] UK seeks to resume negotiations after Brexit with the EU, but significant differences remain

[Meta-description] After Brexit, the UK is seeking to resume negotiations with the EU for a new relationship. However, there are still significant differences in positions between the UK and the EU.

[Body] The UK decided to leave the EU in 2016 and officially left on December 31, 2020. Since then, negotiations have been ongoing between the UK and the EU on how to build their new relationship.

However, there are still significant differences between the UK and the EU. In particular, in areas such as fisheries and competition policy, the positions of the two sides differ greatly, and no agreement has been reached.

Nevertheless, the UK is seeking to resume negotiations for a new relationship. The UK side has indicated that it is willing to compromise towards an agreement with the EU, but the EU also needs to make concessions.

Depending on future negotiations, there may be a possibility of improving the relationship between the UK and the EU. However, at present, significant differences in positions exist between the two sides, so it is expected to take time to reach an agreement.

Japan looks forward to a new free trade agreement with the UK, while also paying attention to the resumption of negotiations after the EU withdrawal.

While attention is focused on the resumption of negotiations between the UK and the EU, Japan is increasingly hopeful for a new free trade agreement with the UK. Japan is paying attention to the relationship between the UK and the EU, which also affects Japanese companies’ overseas expansion.

【Body】 Since the UK decided to withdraw from the EU, Japanese companies have been paying attention to the developments in the relationship between the UK and the EU. In particular, the uncertainty surrounding trade between the UK and the EU is a major issue for the automotive industry, which is important for Japanese companies.

However, on the other hand, there is increasing hope for a new free trade agreement with the UK. Since the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, the UK has shown interest in a free trade agreement with Japan, and negotiations between the two countries began in 2020.

Through this agreement, Japanese companies may be able to maintain access to the UK market and seize business opportunities in many areas, including the automotive industry. It is also expected that the UK will be able to promote investment and business expansion from Japan.

On the other hand, attention is also focused on the developments in the relationship between the UK and the EU. If an agreement is reached between the UK and the EU through the resumption of negotiations, it is expected to have a positive impact on Japanese companies as well. However, since there are significant differences between the positions of the two parties, it may take time to reach an agreement.

The developments in the relationship between the UK and the EU are expected to have a significant impact on Japanese companies. Attention will be focused on future developments.

Japanese comment

If an agreement is reached between the UK and the EU, it would be good news for Japanese companies as well. However, there is still an uncertain situation because it may take time to reach an agreement. We need to keep an eye on future developments.” (Male in his 30s, salaryman)

“By signing the free trade agreement, Japanese companies may not only maintain access to the UK market, but also have the potential to seize new business opportunities. We hope for progress in future negotiations.” (Female in her 40s, self-employed)

“In the automotive industry, Japanese companies have no choice but to move cautiously because of the ongoing uncertainty in relations between the UK and the EU. However, we expect to be able to conduct business with peace of mind if a free trade agreement is concluded with the UK.” (Male in his 50s, business owner)

“While relations with the EU remain uncertain, if a free trade agreement is concluded with the UK, Japanese companies can diversify their risks. We hope for progress in future negotiations.” (Female in her 20s, student)

“In order for Japanese companies to thrive globally, it is necessary to conclude free trade agreements with various countries. We hope for a free trade agreement with the UK, and at the same time, we also pay attention to the progress of negotiations with the EU.” (Male in his 60s, retiree)

Other Japanese comment

“I think it would be great news for Japanese companies if a free trade agreement with the UK is reached. We should hope that business opportunities will expand in many areas, including the automobile industry.”

“We need to pay attention to the resumption of negotiations with the EU. If the UK and the EU reach an agreement, it will undoubtedly have a positive impact on Japanese companies.”

“Of course, a free trade agreement with the UK is important for Japan, but we also need to consider our relationship with the EU as a whole.”

“If the UK and the EU continue to have an uncertain relationship, it will also affect investment decisions in the automobile industry. We need a stable business environment.”

“If the relationship between the UK and the EU remains unstable, it may also affect local employment for Japanese companies. We hope to reach an agreement soon.”

“Free trade agreements also have benefits for companies that expand overseas. We hope that the agreement with the UK will promote the global expansion of Japanese companies.”

“I think the UK decided to leave the EU in order to improve its own business environment. For Japanese companies, an agreement with the UK can be expected to be a plus for their business.”

“Japan has also signed a free trade agreement with the EU, but we are curious about what will happen in the midst of the uncertain relationship between the UK and the EU.”

“As negotiations between the UK and the EU become difficult, the risks for Japanese companies to expand their business also increase. The call for a stable business environment is growing.”