Najib: Malaysia, US to study possible bilateral trade arrangement

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 KUALA LUMPUR- Release of Monetary Policy Statement at 1500 (0700 GMT) KUALA LUMPUR- Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi meets security company officials, at Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) at 1445 (0645 GMT) KUALA LUMPUR- Prime Minister Najib Razak(pic) visits construction site of academic building and hostel at Sekolah Bimbingan Jalinan Kasih, Lorong Haji Hussein 2, off Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz at 1530 (0730 GMT)

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and the United States may look into forging a bilateral trade arrangement between both countries following the US' pullout from the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement.  

Speaking at a media conference after chairing the Barisan Nasional supreme council meeting on Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Malaysia was open to the idea.  

“There is a possibility for us to look into a bilateral trade arrangement. The present administration (of the US) prefers a bilateral trade arrangement, as opposed to a multilateral one.  

“Malaysia is open to it and we will begin with a preliminary discussion,” Najib said when asked on his upcoming visit to the US where he will meet with President Donald Trump.  

The Prime Minister said that he will have a one-on-one meeting with Trump, as well as a formal bilateral meeting between delegations representing both countries.  

A meeting with US vice-president Mike Pence will also be held, said Najib.  

Asked about his message to the US Government, Najib said he will address the issue in a newspaper opinion piece which will be published soon, although he did not give further details.  

“I will issue an opinion piece but I hope that the US will regard Malaysia as a reliable partner in the question of trade, investment, security partnership and combating terrorism.”