Malaysia touts trade access as US Indo-Pacific plan only a 'good beginning' - trade chief

Senior Minister cum International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali during an exclusive interview with Reuters reporter David Lawder today.
 - Bernama

WASHINGTON: Malaysia views U.S. President Joe Biden's proposed Indo-Pacific economic bloc as a welcome initiative but sees a bigger immediate opportunity in selling its access to a China-led trade pact to lure investment from global companies, Malaysia's trade minister said on Friday.

The Biden administration's proposed Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) aims to offer a U.S.-led platform for negotiating common regional standards around digital trade and data flows, labor standards, carbon emissions reductions and governance. But to the chagrin of some countries and business groups, it will not reduce tariffs between members or include traditional enhancements to market access.