TPPA to open government procurement market for Malaysian companies

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPPA) is expected to open up business opportunities in the government procurement market for Malaysian companies in all the other 11 partner countries.

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) said in a statement that it would ensure the extent of market opening in government procurement was guided by local stakeholder interests and concerns.

"The thresholds decided in our offers, that is, the value of bids to be opened for bidding by companies from TPP members, will be decided in consultation with our stakeholders.

"Areas of interest to the Bumiputera business community and SMEs have been excluded from Malaysia's offers," it added.

In terms of Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS), MITI said Malaysian negotiators are fully aware of the concerns over it, and which covers a wider area in the TPPA.

It added that the concerns would addressed in the negotiations.

The ISDS is a form of recourse allowed to investors for international arbitration in addition to domestic courts.

On the current status of the TPPA negotiations, MITI said there were still many sensitive and difficult issues, which had to be elevated to a higher political level for resolution.

"The government will continue to engage all stakeholders," it added.

MITI held an Open Day on Aug 1 to update the public and the media on issues surrounding the TPPA and hear their concerns.

On Aug 6, it also met the Coalition to Act Against the TPPA Malaysia, and discussed ways to enhance engagement with stakeholders. MITI said it welcomes feedback and opinions from all parties regarding the TPPA.

It also said safeguarding national interest and sovereignty would remain the highest priority in guiding Malaysia's negotiation team.

"In this regard, Malaysia's position will take into account the provisions in the Constitution, the rights of the states and core policies of the government," it added.

On the access to affordable medicine and healthcare, MITI said, Malaysian negotiators would continue to negotiate an outcome that would allow Malaysians affordable access to both.