KUALA LUMPUR: The United States aims for balanced and reciprocal trade between Asean and the country as its top officials meet Asean economic ministers in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday (Sept 24).
United States Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer said the US welcomes trade, and Asean is an important trading partner.
“Our combined population is over one billion. And as you mentioned, the total trade in goods and services is nearly half a trillion dollars. And actually, if you look at our numbers, I think it's higher than half a trillion,” he said as he addressed the floor at the AEM-USTR Consultation at the Asean Economic Ministers meeting here on Wednesday (Sept 24).
Greer said there were many areas where both parties align and can collaborate.
The United States also acknowledges Asean’s statement in April to engage with the United States, leading to discussions over the past few months.
“Over the past few months, under President Donald Trump's leadership, I've had the privilege to have good conversations with many of you around the room on ways to improve access to our respective markets, remove non-tariff barriers, address unfair trade practices, and strengthen economic and national security cooperation,” he said.
“President Trump and I are proud of the work we have done together on these deals and expect to finalise these agreements and the coming months or even weeks for some,” he added.
This was also one of the first major meetings between the US and Asean leaders as a regional bloc after the Liberation Day tariffs.
Held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), the 57th Asean Economic Ministers and Related Meetings are slated to take place from Sept 22 to Sept 26.
