Indonesia, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Uruguay

We are pleased to inform you that the UK Government has recently launched a consultation to inform UK priorities in potential trade negotiations with Indonesia, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Uruguay. The Department for Business and Trade want to hear your views on the opportunities, priorities and considerations associated with deepening the UK’s trading relationships with these economies.

Joining the trade bloc Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (or CPTPP) represents the most likely initial route to deepening trading relationships with the majority of them, but the consultation does not assume a single route and invites views on other appropriate trade policy mechanisms, including bilateral free trade agreements where applicable and relevant.

As an organisation that has operated with a CPTPP economy previously and/or the economies in question for this consultation they are especially keen to learn of your insights and experience.

The objective of this consultation is to understand your views on operating in these markets and the market access opportunities available from an enhanced trading relationship.

How to share your views

You will have the option to choose which countries from the above list you would like to share your insights. For each economy the survey asks two main questions:

1. What issues would you like us to consider regarding deepening the UK’s trade relationship with this economy?

2. Based on your selection(s) in the previous question, please provide further detail on why you think the UK Government should consider these issues, regarding deepening the UK’s trade relationship with this economy?

You can complete the questionnaire here: https://ditresearch.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_37Xf4K0lwjSt3Js

The UK Government has published Information Notes that present analysis from a UK perspective to inform UK organisations and individuals about the CPTPP accession process, and the current trading relationship between these economies and the UK.

Once you have answered several questions to tell them who you represent, this consultation provides the opportunity to provide information in three ways:

1. You will be able to answer the questionnaire
2. You may submit your own evidence directly.
3. You will also have the option to complete both the questionnaire and submit your own evidence.

The Information Notes also provide further considerations when submitting your evidence. The closing date of the consultation is 14th September 2026.

Why this matters

Your submission will be important in shaping the UK’s position on any trade agreement before entering formal negotiations, either through an Accession Working Group to CPTPP or via another trade policy mechanism.

They are keen to hear from as broad a group of organisations and people as possible and they greatly value you investing your time in submitting a response.