BERNAMA

January 19, 2006

Joint-Study Group Set Up To Study Msia-Chile FTA

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 (Bernama) — Malaysia and Chile have taken the first step towards forging a free trade agreement (FTA) by setting up a joint study group to undertake a feasibility study on the matter.

The joint study group would submit its recommendation to both governments by the year-end, Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz said after a bilateral meeting with Chilean Foreign Minister Ignacio Walker here Thursday.

Both ministers at the meeting endorsed the Terms of Reference of the joint study group.

This includes identifying the strategic and economic benefits as well as the possible policy framework.

Speaking to reporters later, Walker said the first round of the joint study would take place on Feb 28 in Kuala Lumpur.

— BERNAMA