Suffolk Businesses Explore Indo-Pacific Opportunities at CPTPP Trade Event

The Suffolk Chamber of Commerce had the privilege of hosting “Cutting Tariffs & Opening Doors: CPTPP and the Indo-Pacific Future” at the University of Suffolk.

With the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) now in motion, the event was designed to help Suffolk businesses understand the practical benefits and unlock new trade opportunities in some of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

Expert Speakers and Key Insights

The event brought together trade experts and diplomats who shared first-hand insights on how the CPTPP can boost business growth for local exporters and investors:

• Valeria Vigilante, UK Department for Business & Trade (DBT), Japan & South Korea Lead, explained how the UK’s entry into CPTPP will cut tariffs, simplify rules, and open access to 12 dynamic markets. She highlighted how the agreement complements existing Free Trade Agreements and makes it easier for UK businesses to export goods and services worldwide.
• Kyoichiro Kawakami, Economic Minister at the Embassy of Japan in the UK, underlined Japan’s pivotal role in supporting the UK’s membership. With the UK on board, CPTPP now covers nearly 15% of global GDP, a scale comparable to the EU with Japan and the UK as its two largest economies. The UK is also the first non-founding and non-Asia-Pacific member to join. “A wonderful opportunity to connect with the local business community in Suffolk about harnessing the potential of the CPTPP. Japan stands ready to welcome free and open trade with UK partners! My thanks to the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce team for putting this event together.” Minister Kawakami quoted on the event
• Iszam Khail Ishak, Trade Commissioner at the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, highlighted Malaysia’s rise from an agriculture-based economy to a global manufacturing and export hub, including top exports like electronics, medical gloves, and solar technology. He shared that Malaysia ranks the UK as its 22nd largest trading partner and outlined the country’s competitiveness, skilled workforce, and appeal for international investors.
• Ayu Siti Maryam, Trade Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, presented Indonesia as Southeast Asia’s economic powerhouse and a strategic partner for UK businesses. As the world’s 16th largest economy, Indonesia offers diversified export sectors, modern industrial hubs, and an investment-ready business environment supported by recent UK success stories.

CPTPP: A Strategic Gateway for Suffolk Businesses

The UK’s CPTPP membership provides local businesses with lower tariffs, stronger investment protections, and streamlined market access to a combined economy worth £9 trillion. The event made clear that CPTPP isn’t just a trade agreement on paper, it’s a real-world gateway to markets that are growing rapidly and hungry for UK expertise, products, and services.

Thank You

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce would like to thank chair Stuart Gregory, all delegates who attended, and our distinguished diplomatic and trade partners for their valuable time and insights.