Japan wants frictionless UK-EU trade after Brexit: Ambassador

Japan wants Britain to have frictionless trade with the European Union after Brexit, its ambassador said Thursday, insisting a damaging no-deal scenario should be avoided.

Japanese companies are looking to expand their investment in Britain but are holding back due to uncertainty over Brexit, Koji Tsuruoka said during a talk in London.

However, he insisted Japanese carmaker Honda's decision this week to close its plant in Britain had nothing to do with Brexit.

"Frictionless trade, we fully agree with that. Whether that is through a customs union or other means is up to the negotiation," Tsuruoka said on the Brexit talks.

"But the minimum that Japanese companies would like to pursue is an effective supply chain that goes beyond the borders of the UK and the EU."
"I still believe there will be no no-deal, because no-deal is going to be extremely damaging and put many things on halt," the ambassador said. "It can and should be avoided."