Wednesday, May 1, 2024
HomeWorld NewsASIAUK Luxury Fashion Icons Set to Elevate Exports in Japan

UK Luxury Fashion Icons Set to Elevate Exports in Japan

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

A groundbreaking trade mission, led by UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, is gearing up to strengthen UK-Japan trade relations. This mission brings together some of Britain’s most sought-after luxury fashion designers, including prominent names like Ettinger and Freya Rose. The delegation’s visit aims to open doors to the Japanese market and promote the export of British luxury goods.

The mission’s inception follows a luxury goods roundtable discussion in London, during which several delegates unveiled the exciting prospects that Japan offers for the UK’s fashion industry. The presence of these iconic British fashion brands marks a significant step in furthering trade ties and showcasing the quality and craftsmanship associated with British luxury goods.

On October 26, the trade mission kicked off with the President of the United Kingdom interacting with Japanese fashion buyers, with support from the UK Government. The delegation is all set to showcase a diverse array of British products, ranging from hand-painted scarves to lab-grown jewelry, at the British Embassy in Tokyo. The high-profile Japanese influencers, including Yu Masui, will be among those in attendance, underscoring the importance of this mission in bolstering the reach and influence of British fashion brands in Japan.

This visit serves a dual purpose. First, it aims to expand the exports of UK luxury brands to the Japanese market, aligning with the Business and Trade Secretary’s mission to reach £1 trillion worth of UK exports by 2030. In 2022, UK fashion goods exports to Japan amounted to £133 million, a figure the department is eager to boost even further. Second, it underscores the UK’s commitment to forging stronger trade ties with Japan and promoting free and fair trade on the global stage.

UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch expressed her enthusiasm for the mission, saying, “I’m delighted to be traveling to Japan with iconic British brands to bang the drum for UK business, and help more companies take full advantage of the opportunities on offer from our free trade deals such as the UK-Japan agreement and CPTPP.”

The visit to Japan coincides with the G7 Trade Ministerial Meeting in Osaka, where Secretary Badenoch will champion free and fair trade and address the challenges related to diversifying supply chains. During her stay, she is expected to engage with her international counterparts, further strengthening global trade relations.

Moreover, this visit provides an opportunity to deepen the UK’s trading relations with Japan. A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Committee, headed by Secretary Badenoch and Japan’s Foreign Minister Yōko Kamikawa, will work toward strengthening trade relations. The UK-Japan FTA, signed in 2020, simplifies rules of origin and tariff structures, facilitating smoother trade and opening up exciting opportunities for UK businesses.

The UK’s commitment to enhancing trade relations with Japan is further evident in the announcement of the largest UK Government loan for a renewables project. Valued at over £130 million, this initiative will support the construction of an offshore wind farm in Taiwan, featuring UK-made goods by Siemen Gamesa in Hull. Collaborating with Japanese institutions, this project is a testament to the potential for UK-Japan cooperation in renewable projects.

The impressive business delegation on this trade mission includes a notable lineup of luxury fashion designers, each representing a unique facet of British luxury goods:

  1. Anabela Chan: Pioneering laboratory-grown gemstones and ethical craftsmanship in fine jewelry.
  2. Christy & Co: A historic hat manufacturer with a legacy dating back to 1773, producing traditional hats in England.
  3. Ettinger: A leather goods brand that has held the Royal Warrant since 1996, synonymous with quality and trust.
  4. Freya Rose: An award-winning designer renowned for her sculptural and wearable art in shoes, bags, and jewelry.
  5. Hemingsworth: A high-end swimwear and leisurewear brand for men, known for meticulous craftsmanship and fine materials.
  6. Rapport: Creators of accessories for preserving luxury watches and jewelry, with a legacy dating back to 1898.
  7. Sabina Savage: A print designer known for hand-rendered illustrations on silk, wool, and cashmere scarves, founded in 2014.
  8. Swaine: The House of Swaine, the oldest name in luxury goods, is known for serving the British Royal Family and nobility for centuries.

This mission signifies a significant step towards expanding UK exports, fostering international trade relationships, and celebrating the finest of British craftsmanship in the vibrant Japanese market. The exchange of culture, innovation, and luxury products is a testament to the strength of bilateral ties between the UK and Japan. The visit’s results are anticipated to contribute to the mutual economic growth and prosperity of both nations.

Source: Gov[Dot]UK

Google News

Latest Stories

RELATED ARTICLES
- Advertisment - NIT Infotech