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  1. Negotiations

US-Malaysia


Having signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement on 10 May 2004, the US and Malaysia agreed in early 2006 to start negotiating a bilateral Free Trade Agreement. US negotiators indicated that they expected to conclude talks by the end of 2006 but that was not to be.

The Malaysian government has been putting up a fight on various issues such as government procurement (which Malaysia does not want to open to US participation) and its Bumiputra policy (giving special preferences to ethnic Malays). Social movements, on the other hand, reject the talks particularly in terms of the implications of a deal on access to medicines, intellectual property and Malaysia's autonomy to set policies. The negotiations have stalled since 2009, and are now effectively on ice.

last update: May 2012

Photo: Third World Network

M'sia & US Agree Not To Rush Into Signing FTA
23-Aug-2006    
Malaysia and the United States have agreed not to rush into concluding a mutually-beneficial free trade agreement (FTA) until both parties are satisfied with what was being negotiated.
Malaysian manufacturers wary of US move on patents
22-Aug-2006    
Malaysian manufacturers are wary of any move by the US to incorporate software patents and pharmaceutical patents in ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks between the US and Malaysia.
Malays 'have right to Malaysia'
15-Aug-2006    
Malaysia on Monday said it would issue a "big fat no" to any nation or group that asked it to dismantle a system of positive discrimination for its majority ethnic Malays as part of trade talks.
FTAs won't change bumi policy
15-Aug-2006    
The Government will not give up its affirmative action policy to help bumiputra contractors even if it agrees on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States, said Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz.
Govt in no hurry to complete FTA with US: Rafidah
14-Aug-2006    
The Malaysian government is in no hurry to complete the free trade agreement (FTA) with the US, Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz said.
Industry players hold key to US-Malaysia FTA success: Rafidah
14-Aug-2006    
Industry players, not the Government, hold the key to the successful conclusion of the proposed US-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz said.
Malaysian youth movement calls for suspension of Malaysia-US FTA negotiations in support Lebanon
12-Aug-2006    
The Youth Movement at Malaysia's ruling National Party have called for suspension of Malaysia US free trade negotiations for the White House's objection to ceasefire calls in Lebanon and urged immediate trial of Israel before the ICJ for its brutal aggressions against the Lebanese and Palestinians.
Federal Express to benefit from Malaysia-US FTA
5-Aug-2006     Bernama
Federal Express Services (M) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp, says it will gain from the implementation of the US-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
US hails progress in latest Malaysia trade talks
23-Jul-2006     Channel News Asia
The US government said Friday it had achieved "solid progress" in a second round of free-trade talks with Malaysia this week.
Rafidah: US investors adequately protected
21-Jul-2006     Business Times
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz said Malaysia's existing regulations on IP protection provide adequate protection for US investors, helping its negotiation on free trade agreement (FTA) with the US.