The UK has officially signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with Japan, marking its first major post-Brexit deal as an independent nation.

According to the UK government, the agreement, which was finalised in September, is set to boost trade between the two nations by up to £15 billion.

The UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was signed by UK international trade secretary Liz Truss and Japanese foreign minister Motegi Toshimitsu in Tokyo on Friday October 23rd.

Ms Truss said the deal is a "landmark moment" for the UK, adding: "It shows what we can do as an independent trading nation, as we secure modern and bespoke provisions in areas like tech and services that are critical to the future of our country and the reshaping of our economy."

The UK government noted the FTA goes beyond those that Japan already has with the EU, with bespoke additions that will benefit the digital and data, financial services, food and drink, and creative industries in both countries.

It also comes with a strong commitment from Japan to support the UK's entry into the Trans Pacific Partnership, which the European nation is expected to apply for in 2021.