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Malaysia

NGOs push panic button on FTA
12-Apr-2006 Sun2Surf
A recent symposium has sent a siren call to Malaysian institutions and the public to voice their concerns against the impending signing of the US-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which, the organisers said, would affect local society in many ways, from job and food security to access to affordable medication.
Pitfalls aplenty on the fast track to trade
11-Apr-2006 New Straits Times
The distorting aspects of bilateral free trade agreements can be avoided by adopting a multilateral approach, argues Mohamed Ariff.
Change or risk losing market share, New Zealand told
10-Apr-2006
Asean has told New Zealand, whose big dairy and meat product trade to the regional grouping has slowed in recent years, that it risks losing market share to newer competitors muscling their way into the area unless its exporters turn more creative and move quickly to meet changing regional consumer needs.
KL-Canberra free trade pact talks on track
3-Apr-2006 Business Times
Negotiations are ongoing for the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with focus on tourism, education and professional services.
Malaysian activists launch campaign against free trade deal with US
27-Mar-2006 AFP
Malaysian activists over the weekend launched a campaign against a planned bilateral free trade deal with the US, saying it could undermine job and food security and the nation’s economy.
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.
Malaysian FTA taking shape
15-Mar-2006 WA Business News
Australia and Malaysia are working toward the implementation of a free trade agreement, the first draft of which is due for completion by the end of 2006.
’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.
Malaysia and Australia sign MoU on agriculture
10-Mar-2006
Malaysia and Australia on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at building a new cooperation on agricultural, food processing, livestock and fisheries trade.
Agriculture deal with Malaysia opens door for FTA
10-Mar-2006 The Age
Australia and Malaysia have signed a memorandum of understanding that aims to foster trade in agriculture, food processing, livestock and fisheries. The MoU is separate from the proposed free trade agreement between the two countries, and comes as the United States announced it would begin formal negotiations for a free trade accord with Malaysia.
Trade deals we need to close
9-Mar-2006
This week US Trade Representative Rob Portman announced that the Bush administration will pursue free-trade talks with Malaysia. Last month talks on a free-trade agreement (FTA) were inaugurated with South Korea. In a global economy awash in trade deals designed to open markets and build alliances, FTAs with these countries are particularly desirable.
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.
Agriculture deal with Malaysia opens door for FTA
9-Mar-2006
AUSTRALIA and Malaysia have signed a memorandum of understanding that aims to foster trade in agriculture, food processing, livestock and fisheries.
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.