Johnson Wants 80% of U.K. Trade Covered by Deals in 3 Years

(Bloomberg) -- Boris Johnson aims to have 80 percent of U.K. commerce covered by free trade deals within 3 years, his office said hours ahead of the U.K.’s departure from the European Union.

The ambition was discussed in a special meeting of his cabinet in Sunderland, northeast England, according to a readout emailed by his office on Friday. Britain is seeking a Canada-style free trade agreement with the EU to replace the current frictionless commerce it enjoys with the bloc, it said.

“From tomorrow, the U.K. will also be free to begin trade negotiations with countries around the world,” Johnson’s office said. The premier began the meeting by saying the U.K. is starting a new chapter, “turning a page on the division of the last three and a half years and going full steam ahead to bring the nation together.”

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