AWANI Tonight: M’sia set to begin trade talks with Washington

AWANI

Malaysia is set to begin high-stakes negotiations in Washington that could shape the future of its economic partnerships. Astro AWANI correspondent Syaff Shukri reports from Washington on the atmosphere ahead of these pivotal talks.

Transcript

00:00Investment Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datad Sri Zafrul Abdul Aziz is set to kick off

00:05crucial negotiations later tonight in Washington, talks that could shape the trajectory of Malaysia's

00:10economic partnerships. Now as anticipation builds, all eyes are on the outcomes and signals from

00:16these high-stakes discussions. We now head to Washington where our correspondent Shaf Shukri

00:21is standing by. Shaf, what's the atmosphere like ahead of these pivotal talks and what should be

00:26the key priorities for Malaysia as it enters the negotiation room? Well, the atmosphere here in

00:34Washington is a mix of anticipation and quite intensity. Delegations from several countries

00:40are in town, each hoping to carve out their own space in what many see as a recalibration of

00:47America's trade relationships. But for Malaysia, this round of negotiations is particularly

00:54consequential, not just for our trade balance with the US, but for the long-term credibility

01:01of Malaysia as a competitive, cooperative and a forward-looking economic partner. So today,

01:10as Minister Tengku Zafrul prepares to enter the negotiation room later today, Malaysia's priorities

01:19should be focused but also flexible. First and foremost, we need to present ourselves not as a

01:26part of the problem but as part of the solution. Malaysia already maintains a relatively low tariff,

01:34an average of just 5.6%, and we've been proactive in addressing non-tariff barriers through regulatory

01:43reforms that enhance the ease of doing business. And secondly, it's crucial that Malaysia position

01:52itself as a distinct and strategic player in this crowded space. With multiple countries currently

02:00lobbying the US for tariff relief or exemptions, the Malaysian delegation must highlight our unique strength,

02:09including our role in the global semiconductor supply chain, the strong presence of the US companies

02:17already operations in Malaysia, and our broader commitment to economic openness and policy consistency.

02:26And these are not just trade advantages, they are trust markers. So finally, one of the key objectives

02:37in the meeting and negotiation should be to push for clarity and stability. Businesses, both American

02:46and Malaysian, I believe, are watching closely, especially in the 90-day pause on a reciprocal tariff set to expire

02:55on the July 9th. And this talk offer an important window for Malaysia to shape the narrative, influence

03:03decision makers, decision makers, and mitigate the risks of trade uncertainty. So I guess while expectations

03:13are high, the strategy here is about a substance over spectacles, and also offering meaningful solutions

03:22and demonstrating Malaysia's readiness to be a long-term reliable partner in a more complex global economy.

03:31So that's the scene here in Washington for now. And of course, we'll be tracking developments closely

03:39as the talk unfold over the next few hours. So back to you in the studio.

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