Foreign Secretary and Business Secretary travel to Japan for the Economic 2+2, a new way for the UK and Japan to coordinate international economic policy.

• huge Japanese market to be further unlocked through new partnership between UK and Japan as Foreign Secretary and Secretary of State for Business and Trade

visit to the world’s 4th largest economy

• Japan already invests £86 billion in the UK economy; a business delegation travelling alongside the ministers will drive more investment and opportunities for

British companies in Japan

• UK and Japanese defence industrial cooperation will deliver jobs for Brits and security across the Indo-Pacific – building our defence capability and our economy

It comes as the Foreign Secretary and Business Secretary travel to Japan today (6 March 2025), for the Economic 2+2, a new strategic way for the UK and Japan to coordinate international economic policy. The visit is part of the government delivering its Plan for Change to boost growth, create jobs and put more money in people’s pockets. The Economic 2+2 will strengthen UK and Japan cooperation in a range of areas– such as continued commitment to a fair-trading system, joint research into the technologies of the future and mutual investment to support growth, innovation and jobs in the defence industry. Chief Economist at the CBI – member of the travelling business delegation – Louise Hellem said: Cooperation with like-minded partners like Japan will be critical to achieving the government’s Growth Mission. As a significant and growing trading partner, Japan’s economy offers unique opportunities for UK firms looking to expand and internationalise. This delegation is an important next step in our relationship, enabling both governments to explore deeper collaboration across topics like digital and technology, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability. (REF.GOV.UK)