Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid has described a new UK-Japan trade deal as a “real boost” for businesses in Scotland.
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss reached an agreement in principle with Japan’s Foreign Minister earlier today (Friday).
It is the UK’s first major trade deal outside of the EU and could increase UK trade by £15.2billion.
Scottish wild salmon, beef, and lamb are among 15 iconic products that could be protected in Japan for the first time as part of the historic agreement.
By increasing Geographical Indicators (GIs) from just under seven under the terms of an EU-Japan deal to potentially over 70 under the UK-Japan agreement, this would lead to improved recognition of key UK brands in the Japanese market.
Mr Duguid said: “It’s great news that the UK Government has agreed a trade deal with Japan.
“The north-east has strong links with Japan dating back to the Fraserburgh-born industrialist Thomas Blake Glover.
“This agreement will be a real boost for businesses in Scotland, which exported goods worth more than £503million to Japan last year.
“It is good news for our food and drink sector, increasing export opportunities for our world-renowned products including salmon, beef, lamb, and whisky.
“And it provides further evidence of the huge opportunities for the UK to prosper out of the EU.”