Britain Back and Open for Business, Southeast Asia is among the key engines of global growth in the years to come and poses “a huge commercial market”, said British Trade Policy Minister Douglas Alexander.
The region has a population of about 680 million people and an estimated total gross domestic product amounting to approximately US$3.6 trillion.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made economic growth the central mission of his administration, and sees giving businesses access to international markets as a key step.
Mr Alexander said the UK is taking a “twin-track approach” to trade.
“We are seeking to reset and rebuild our trading relationships with our neighbours and partners in the European Union,” he added.
“At the same time, we’re seeking to seize the opportunities of strengthening our trading relationships right around the world.”
The UK has been pursuing a range of free-trade deals since its departure from the EU.
“In every trade deal, there are complexities, there are challenges, there are negotiations that need to be resolved,” Mr Alexander noted.
“But I genuinely believe that liberalising trade and securing effective free trade agreements can be actual win-wins for both of the parties.”
