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Britain's trade minister Liam Fox said earlier this year that
joining the TPP was an option for the country after Brexit
although it was too early to talk about any plans to sign up to
the 11-nation group.
"We would of course welcome interest from an economy the size of
Britain's," Bishop said in response to a question after
delivering a speech in London.
The 11 TPP countries - which include Japan, Canada and Mexico as
well as Australia - are due to sign their agreement in March.
U.S. President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the
group soon after taking office but he said in January that
Washington might yet stay in.
Bishop also said Australia was keen to pursue a bilateral free
trade agreement with Britain as soon as it could.
"I believe that, post Brexit, there will be enormous
opportunities to engage more closely in trade and investment,"
she said.
"When the circumstances are right, when the timing is right,
Australia would be keen to pursue a free trade agreement with
the United Kingdom. High quality, comprehensive, gold standard."
Bishop said Australia would want to secure rights for its
citizens to work in Britain as part of any such deal.
(Reporting by Andy Bruce; Writing by William Schomberg; editing
by Michael Holden)
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