I T I Ministry pushy on country's concern ahead of FTA pact
26 Jun '06
1 min read
The Malaysian Government is watchful and would not make sacrifices just to push through the FTA deal, stated Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, Minister of International Trade and Industry.
Government will not sign a free trade agreement (FTA) with the US on conditions that are not beneficial or just for the country.
Malaysia is the US' tenth largest trading partner and the two-way trade stood at US $44 billion (RM161 billion), last year.
According to Aziz, his country is prepared to wait for the US Congress to extend the tenure of Joint Trade Promotion Authority thrashing out the teething trade issues while it expires in July, next year.
It has no time frame to conclude FTA talks but would maintain its sovereign rights and uphold its interests.
Minister stated that the July 1, 2007 deadline to sign an FTA with the US should not be used as an excuse to skim over issues during negotiations.
Country's manufacturers seek removal of tariffs from footwear, apparel, textiles, and leather products.
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