It may be on the other side of the world, but that's not stopping the UK from applying to join a trade partnership in and around the Pacific Ocean.
A year after it formally left the European Union, the British Government has said that it wants to join the 11-country Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss is set to speak to officials in Japan and New Zealand next week to formally make the request. Negotiations are expected to commence this year.
The Government says joining the partnership would deepen ties with fast-growing economies, including Mexico, Malaysia and Vietnam. The United States, the world's biggest economy, is not part of the partnership; former President Donald Trump, withdrew the country from its predecessor, the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
China, the world's No. 2 economy, also does not belong. The UK's aim in joining is the benefit of lower tariffs for the British economy. The Government says the partnership removes tariffs on 95 per cent of goods traded between members.