Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul, will head to Washington on the 24th of this month. During the two-day visit, he will meet with representatives from the United States Trade Representative (USTR), including Jamieson and other relevant government officials, to discuss the issue of the proposed reciprocal tariffs by the US.
Zafrul stated in a media briefing today (17th) that the Malaysian delegation will also take this opportunity to meet with some chambers of commerce, enterprises, and interest groups to explain Malaysia's stance and the feedback from the Cabinet.
“We also need to explain there that Malaysia, as a significant country in the semiconductor and electrical and electronic sectors, is actually in a neutral position, which can genuinely assist the US industry rather than pose a threat to it.”
He clarified that this trip is not for negotiation but to discuss how Malaysia can play an important role in the supply chain between Asia and the US.
The Malaysian delegation includes Deputy Secretary-General (Trade) of the Ministry of Trade, Masdura, and officers, as well as the representatives of the Ministry of Trade from the Malaysian Embassy in Washington.
Zafrul pointed out that although the visit is purely for Malaysia, he will take the opportunity to reiterate ASEAN's stance on the tariff issue, especially the outcomes of the special meeting of ASEAN economic ministers.
“As Malaysia is the ASEAN rotating chair, I will also articulate ASEAN's position, which is that we believe in a rules-based global trade system, which is the multilateralism principle in the trade sector.”
He emphasized that ASEAN and Malaysia's position is clear, that no retaliatory measures will be taken.
“We all want to clarify to the US that, in fact, many of us, including ASEAN itself, do not believe that we have imposed such high tariffs on US products. We wish to correct some misconceptions.”
After the special meeting of economic ministers on the 10th of this month, ASEAN issued a joint statement stating that ASEAN will engage in frank and constructive dialogue with the US to address trade-related concerns.
ASEAN economic ministers expressed that ASEAN will continue to strive to protect ASEAN's economic interests and maintain a strong and mutually beneficial trade relationship with the US.