MITI: Malaysia forms committee to oversee implementation of TPPA

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed

PETALING JAYA: The International Trade and Industry Ministry will form a national committee tasked to monitor, facilitate and oversee the overall implementation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).

Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said the committee would comprise representatives of ministries and government agencies involved in the trade agreement.

“The National Committee and subsidiary bodies will mirror the set-up of the TPP Joint Commission and subcommittees under the trade agreement.

"I will continue to engage with members of Parliament in facilitating and monitoring the implementation of the TPPA," Mustapa said in a statement Tuesday.

Following the signing of the TPPA on Feb 4, Malaysia as well as the other 11 member countries are currently completing domestic procedures to ratify the agreement.

In Malaysia, several laws will be amended concerning three main areas, the rules of origin, intellectual property rights and labour. The amendments will ensure the country is in a position to meet the obligations stipulated under the TPPA.

Mustapa also said engagement with the local stakeholders will continue throughout the entire period before ratification.

"As part of our efforts to ensure engagement will continue during the implementation period, a separate Consultative Committee will also be formed.

“This committee will be made up of representatives from industry players, business chambers, small and medium enterprises, non-governmental organisations and various other local stakeholders,” he said.

“The role of this consultative committee will be crucial in gathering feedback and assessing the impact of the TPPA implementation from time to time,” he added.

He said the government remains committed in ensuring that Malaysia will be able to take full advantage of the opportunities and mitigate the challenges that the TPPA will bring.

“It is our hope that the formation of the committees will assist us in achieving such objectives,” he said.