Bilateral trade deal among topics discussed with USTR

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has expressed its openness to negotiate with the United States (US) on four key areas, namely reducing the trade deficit; addressing non-tariff barriers; strengthening technological safeguards and security; and exploring a potential bilateral trade agreement.

In a statement today, the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) said Malaysia stands ready to continue collaborating with the US to reach mutually agreeable solutions regarding the reciprocal tariff matter announced by President Donald Trump's administration.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has led a delegation to meet and engage with the US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick and the US Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer in Washington DC on Thursday to discuss on the reciprocal tariff imposed by the US on Malaysia.

"Malaysia is encouraged by the recent 90-day pause on the proposed tariff measures and views it as a window of opportunity for constructive engagement.

"Malaysia has publicly stated that it will not take retaliatory action against the US but stands ready to collaborate on mutually agreeable outcomes about the concerns raised by the Trump Administration," it said.

-- BERNAMA