PETALING JAYA: Malaysia remains optimistic about resolving issues in the best interest of the nation before coming to any conclusion on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations.
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said much progress had been made since Malaysia first entered into negotiations five years ago.
“There has been progress but we still have some issues to address.
“However, when the TPP will be concluded is an open question,” he said during a briefing on the agreement to editorial staff of the Star Media Group Bhd yesterday.
He added that most of the 12 nations in the negotiations were also positive although there were many issues to be hammered out.
“At the moment, most countries involved in the talks are looking forward to a conclusion,” he said, adding that negotiations had been extended twice since 2013.
Mustapa noted that Malaysia was not the only country that had concerns over the TPP, with each nation looking to secure a deal on its own terms.
“Even developed countries such as the US, Mexico, Japan, Australia and New Zealand have their own sets of concerns ranging from the effects on their automotive, agricultural and dairy industries,” he said.
“At the end of the day, we (Malaysia) have the opportunity to be among the movers in shaping world economy and trade.
“We will be left out if we don’t join the agreement. Then, it would be too late for us to compete and catch up.”
Mustapa gave an assurance that the nation’s Constitution, sovereignty, and core policies such as government procurement, state-owned enterprises and the bumiputra agenda would be safeguarded under the agreement.
Also at the briefing were Star Media Group chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow, independent non-executive director Datuk Aminuddin Rouse, group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and editor-in-chief Leanne Goh.
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