On October 23, 2020, the United Kingdom and Japan reached an agreement on mutual recognition, which will greatly benefit businesses operating in both countries. The deal will enable companies to be accredited in one country and recognized in the other, without having to undergo further testing or certification procedures.

The agreement covers a wide range of sectors, including automotive, medical devices, and telecommunications. This means that UK businesses producing goods in these areas can have their products recognized and approved in Japan, and vice versa. This could potentially lead to a reduction in trade barriers and lower costs for businesses exporting to Japan or the UK.

In the automotive sector, for example, UK car manufacturers will be able to have their vehicles tested and accredited in the UK, and then sell them in Japan without having to go through further testing and certification processes. This will make it easier and cheaper for UK companies to export their products to Japan, ultimately boosting trade and investment between the two countries.

The agreement also covers the recognition of professional qualifications, which will make it easier for professionals in certain fields to work in both countries. This will be particularly beneficial for UK professionals working in Japan, as they will no longer need to undergo additional qualifications or training before being able to work there.

The UK-Japan agreement on mutual recognition is a positive move for both countries, particularly as the UK seeks to establish new trade relationships post-Brexit. The deal will facilitate closer ties between the two countries, and could potentially lead to similar agreements with other countries in the future. As businesses in both countries look to expand their global presence, this agreement provides a significant opportunity to increase trade and investment between the UK and Japan.