MPs to get copies of TPPA analysis this week

KUALA LUMPUR: Copies of the Cost-Benefit Analysis for the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) will be circulated to all MPs this week, said Datuk Mustapa Mohamed.

The International Trade and Industry Mi­­nister said the analysis, which was presented to the Cabinet last Friday, was in the process of being printed.

Copies are being circulated to MPs prior to the tabling of the agreement for Parliament’s approval next month.

The analysis was carried out by Price­waterhouseCoopers and Institute of Strategic and International Studies, both of which are independent groups, added Mustapa.

“Pricewaterhouse is a world-class consulting firm while the institute is a premier think-tank in the country.

“The people will see both sides – the good and the bad – of the agreement,” he said du­ring a townhall meeting attended by stakeholders, individuals and NGOs here yesterday.

Mustapa later told reporters that the Government wanted an intelligent debate on the matter.

“Many have read (the final agreement text) and they quoted certain chapters when asking questions. This is a good development,” he said.

The agreement text was released to the public last month.