Oral Answers to Questions Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for International Trade
Robert Syms
Main Page: Robert Syms (Conservative - Poole)Department Debates - View all Robert Syms's debates with the Department for International Trade
(2 years, 8 months ago)
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Mr Jayawardena
We have always been crystal clear that our food safety, animal welfare and environmental standards are not for sale.
Sir Robert Syms (Poole) (Con)
Can we have an update on our joining the trans-Pacific partnership? That is important not only because of the growing markets, but because of the international challenges, stability and defence in the region.
Penny Mordaunt
My hon. Friend is absolutely right; we have reached a major milestone on that accession process by moving to market access negotiations with that trade bloc. In addition to opening up a new market, this will also help us on such matters as maritime security and meeting the goals of the integrated review. CPTPP has strong rules against the unfair trade practice whereby some countries—China has been mentioned—give unreasonable advantages to state-owned enterprises or discriminate against foreign investors. Our vision for that part of the world has trade at its heart.