U.S. Trade Representative Kirk Concludes Successful Visit to Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk concluded his visit to Malaysia today by meeting with Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. Ambassador Kirk and Prime Minister Najib discussed the bilateral trade and investment relationship between the United States and Malaysia, as well as our countries' common interests as members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the 9-country initiative toward a high-standard trade agreement that will have its twelfth round of negotiations in the U.S. city of Dallas, Texas next month.

"As part of our very positive discussion about the trade relationship between the United States and Malaysia, I was pleased to indicate to Prime Minister Najib the United States' desire to work together to close remaining issues in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and to conclude an agreement as quickly as possible," said Ambassador Kirk. "The United States and Malaysia can work together to find creative approaches to achieve high standards across an eventual TPP agreement."

Ambassador Kirk also held conversations on TPP and trade more generally with Trade Minister Mustapa Muhamad, Minister of Finance II Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah, Minister of Domestic Trade Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Governor of Bank Negara Zeti Akhtar Aziz.

While in Malaysia, Ambassador Kirk also met with the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), as well as with other Malaysian business leaders and representatives of U.S. companies with operations in Malaysia.