Not only is the region vital to prosperity and security in its own right, it also has a direct bearing on sanctions, defence industrial capacity, and nuclear deterrence in the Euro-Atlantic.
As I vote on legislation passing through Parliament, I notice a steady stream of laws that we could not have passed were we still in the EU.
Where China has clients, Britain has partners; where Russia has proxies, we have friends.
The Government has negotiated worthwhile agreements in Asia, but we cannot afford to neglect another vast potential market.
The International Trade Secretary joined the panel for a live event with Anand Menon, Katy Balls and Andy Burwell, chaired by Paul Goodman.
It spotlights both the challenges involved in operating an independent trade policy and the limited political rewards of doing so.
I expect the UK to emerge from this economic and health shakeup with permanent major changes of behaviour.
Trade negotiations and agreements are inherently political.
While the Government has been focussed on “levelling up” and other domestic issues, it’s time to consider the UK’s position on the world stage.
Deals with the US, Japan, Australia and New Zealand will prepare the country for future EU-related bumps in the road.
The pandemic has huge geopolitical implications. Britain can better its aspirations by joining the CPTPP.
Striking trade deals with different countries and blocs is a very good thing. However, we shouldn’t expect them to add too much value.