KUALA LUMPUR: Asean Economic Ministers are set to hold high-level meetings with key trade partners on Wednesday (Sept 24), with the consultation with the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Jamieson Greer, being the key highlight.
The third day of the 57th Asean Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting is packed with discussions aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties between the regional bloc and key trading partners.
The Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (Tifa) is among the key issues to be addressed during the AEM-USTR consultation, which is scheduled for 2.30pm.
Tifa is an agreement between the US and Asean that aims to enhance trade and investment cooperation.
This meeting is also expected to set the tone for the upcoming Asean Summit in October, which US President Donald Trump is expected to attend.
The United States remains Asean’s second-largest trading partner and its largest source of foreign direct investment.
This will also be one of the first significant engagements between the US and Asean’s regional bloc on Southeast Asian soil following the implementation of the Liberation Day tariffs in August.
In addition to the US, the AEM will hold meetings with South Korea’s Trade Minister Yeo Han-Koo; China’s Vice Minister of Commerce, Yan Dong; Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Algernon Yau; and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Muto Yoji.
Also on the agenda is a consultation with World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Director General, Daren Tang.
Held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, the 57th AEM and Related Meetings have attracted more than 500 delegates from the 10 Asean member states and key dialogue partners.
