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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

Malaysia's Mahathir fears planned FTA with U.S. could have 'adverse' consequences
22-Mar-2006     The Star
Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Wednesday warned that a free trade agreement with the United States could harm Malaysia, claiming that a similar pact signed with Japan recently has brought no benefits.
'Win-win situation' expected from FTA
14-Mar-2006    
While US ambassador to Malaysia Christopher LaFleur last week mentioned about the advantages for Malaysia should its free-trade agreement (FTA) with the US materialise, Malaysian economists prefer to look at both sides of the coin.
Ambassador: NAP not an obstacle
11-Mar-2006    
US Ambassador to Malaysia Christopher J. LaFleur said it was not expected that the National Automobile Policy would become an obstacle for both countries in convening discussions on Free Trade Agreements (FTA).
Rousing start to FTA talks
10-Mar-2006    
The Malaysia-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks got off to a rousing start with 18 Senators and members of the House of Representatives, both Democrat and Republican, turning up to show support.
M'sia-US FTA provides greater impetus, says Standard Chartered chief
9-Mar-2006    
Completion of the Malaysia-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would be highly positive, providing greater impetus to the rate of economic and financial activity in Malaysia, a banker said Thursday.
US-Asean Business Council endorses US-Malaysia FTA talks
9-Mar-2006    
The US-Asean Business Council today endorsed negotiation and passage of a comprehensive US-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement that is commercially meaningful and of the highest standard.
US envoy says planned FTA will boost Malaysia's profile
9-Mar-2006    
A free trade agreement with the United States, expected to be concluded by next year, will raise Malaysia's profile with other foreign investors and increase their confidence in the local market, the U.S. ambassador said Thursday.
US expects easy FTA talks with Malaysia
9-Mar-2006     AP
"We in Malaysia believe this is a very strategic agreement," Malaysian Minister of International Trade Rafidah Aziz said. "There is no opposition."
M'sia, US launch FTA negotiations
8-Mar-2006    
Malaysia and the US today jointly announced the launch of negotiations for free trade agreement (FTA), with formal negotiations on the FTA commencing in three months and expected to be completed by early 2007.
BIO president Jim Greenwood welcomes US FTA negotiations with Malaysia
8-Mar-2006    
The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) today applauded the Bush Administration's announcement to begin free trade negotiations with Malaysia. "Malaysia is an important market with a strong interest in developing its biotechnology industry," stated Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO. "We look forward to working with US Trade Representative Rob Portman on this important initiative as Malaysia looks to enhance the development of its biotechnology sector.