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The UK has joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a free-trade agreement consisting of 11 countries stretching across the pacific. In the biggest trade deal post-brexit, the UK has joined with the hopes of economic growth and job support.
UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said:
“The opportunity to strike trade deals around the world offers great opportunities for the Government to further the fantastic product UK hospitality has to offer and cement our reputation as a world-leading tourist destination. I’m hopeful that the new deals we strike will also lower the cost of imported food and drink, which should lead to lower costs to customers.
“Initially, it would appear that the agreement to join the CPTPP will offer greater investment opportunities for the UK’s hospitality sector through a closer relationship with a wider pool of countries. However, it is disappointing that there appears to be little on labour markets and incorporating immigration agreements into this deal.
“With the enormous staff shortages that are destroying hospitality businesses, new trade deals should provide the perfect opportunity to strike agreements to help fill those gaps through working visas.”