Manila, July 1 -- The United Kingdom is hoping for the eventual inclusion of the Philippines in the 12-member Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), citing the potential for stronger trade with the country under the pact.

Parties to the CPTPP, a free trade deal among Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, Vietnam, Peru, Malaysia, Chile, Brunei, and the United Kingdom, agreed last week to begin preparatory talks on the Philippines' accession.

"We've strongly supported the Philippines' application. If the Philippines completes the process and joins the agreement, businesses in our countries would benefit from lower tariffs, simpler trading rules, and stronger supply chains," UK D...