Photo: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Bilateral trade between Malaysia and the United States has continued to grow this year despite global uncertainty, underscoring the resilience of US-Malaysia economic ties, says outgoing US Ambassador to Malaysia Edgard D. Kagan.
Speaking to the media yesterday at a farewell reception where he officially launched the Freedom 250 Road Show, Kagan said Malaysian exports to the US had risen by about 14% over the past 11 years, while US exports to Malaysia increased by roughly 7.5% over the same period.
"I think that this shows the trade relationship is strong," he said, adding that recent initiatives would further strengthen bilateral economic engagement.
"Obviously, I recognise that not everyone agrees, but at the same time I'm very confident that anyone who looks at it closely, objectively, and not driven by politics, is going to see tremendous benefits from both sides," he said.
The Freedom 250 Road Show, launched during the reception at the JW Marriott Hotel here, marks the start of a year-long celebration leading up to the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
The event also doubled as a farewell for Kagan, who is concluding 35 years of service to the US government.
Beyond trade, Kagan highlighted education exchanges as a priority area he had worked to advance during his tenure, particularly efforts to promote Malaysia as a destination for American students.
"I think it is very much in the US interest if we have more young Americans coming here to study," he said, adding that groundwork had been laid but that such initiatives required time to bear fruit.
"This is unfortunately a multi-year effort, and I very much hope that my successors continue to work on that.
"I expect that in another six months to a year, or a year and a half, we'll start seeing more about this coming," he added.
After leaving Malaysia, Kagan said he would be joining a think tank in Washington, where he plans to focus on Asia and the Indo-Pacific region, including exploring ways to further strengthen US-Malaysia relations.
He also expressed hopes of taking on teaching roles alongside his research work.
Reflecting on his time in Malaysia, Kagan said he and his family had deeply enjoyed their posting.
"My family and I have loved our time in Malaysia. We have many friends, and we've been welcomed by so many people," he said, adding that he looked forward to returning and continuing to contribute to the bilateral relationship in other capacities.
"We will miss the food and the beautiful places, but mostly, we will miss Malaysians.
"Malaysians have been so welcoming, so kind, so warm. There's such incredible dynamism, such diversity," he added.
Asked about key lessons from his tenure, Kagan said one of the most important was recognising how much the two countries could achieve when working together.
"Obviously, the relationship has had its ups and downs over the years, but what we've seen, particularly working on the Cambodia-Thailand peace agreement most recently and during the Asean summit, is that we are incredibly effective when we work together," he said.
He also pointed to Malaysia's diversity as a major strength, drawing parallels with the United States.
"Malaysia's diversity, like the diversity of the United States, is an extraordinary strength," he said, adding that Malaysians and Americans shared a desire to build a better society alongside a strong pride in independence and constitutional values.
Kagan said he was leaving his post feeling positive about what had been achieved, while acknowledging that more work remained to be done.
"The embassy will be in very good hands," he said, adding that Deputy Chief of Mission David "Chip" Gamble would continue advancing shared objectives between both countries.
