Britain to joinTPP framework after domestic procedures

Britain will join the framework after domestic procedures in signatory countries, becoming the first to join the pact since it came into force in 2018.

The TPP deal features tough standards on free trade and economic activities, including intellectual property protection, as well as tariff elimination for farm and industrial goods.

In order to join the group, countries are required to fully comply with the standards. Membership must be approved by all existing member nations.

The current TPP members concluded that Britain can meet the standards based on discussions among chief negotiators held in Vietnam last month.

Britain initially showed reluctance to open up its agricultural market to some countries, but it is believed to have agreed to remove almost all tariffs on farm and industrial goods as required under the TPP deal.