KUALA LUMPUR: Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan will visit Washington DC at the end of this month to initiate talks on the United States’ reciprocal tariffs, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister stated that Tengku Zafrul and Amir will present the agreements from the National Geoeconomics Command Centre Meeting (NGCC) held last Monday (April 14) during negotiations with the US.
"They will bring what was agreed in this meeting to begin talks with the White House on the tariffs.
"This is also a result of a consensus among Asean countries to deal with the US tariffs issue collectively. So we will see the results when they return," said Fahmi during a press conference at the Angkasapuri Media City.
On Monday (April 14), after the first NGCC meeting, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim mentioned that the council will focus on strengthening the country’s response to global economic developments, including the tariffs issue and cooperation among Asean countries.
US President Donald Trump announced retaliatory tariffs against several countries on April 1, with Malaysia being hit with a 24% tariff.
Meanwhile, Fahmi noted that China President Xi Jinping completed his three-day official visit to Malaysia, marking a success with 31 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) signed.
"This is a success. It is a historical amount.
"This official visit has not only strengthened trade relations between the two countries, but also made Xi and Anwar closer," said Fahmi.
Fahmi highlighted that Malaysia, as a trading nation, is open to business with any countries interested in trade.
Xi began his Southeast Asian tour by visiting Vietnam on Monday (April 14) and then Malaysia from April 15 to 17.
The Chinese leader departed to Cambodia after concluding his Malaysia visit on April 17.
This marks Xi’s first overseas visit this year and his second visit to Malaysia in 12 years, following the last one in 2013, which saw the two countries upgrade diplomatic relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Xi’s Southeast Asian tour is being closely watched amid growing international economic uncertainty following the reciprocal tariffs announced by the US earlier this month.
