26 January 2017

News Story: Malaysia, New Zealand push for RCEP following US pullout from TPP

Hanoi (VNA) – Malaysia will focus on regional economic integration and the conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement could not materialise following the withdrawal of the US, local officials said on January 24.

Minister of International Trade and Industry Mustapa Mohamed said Malaysia will promote economic integration with the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and promptly conclude the RCEP, which groups ASEAN and its six major trading partners, including China.

Malaysia will also pursue bilateral free trade agreements with TPP members with whom it currently does not have any preferential trading arrangements, he said, adding that chief negotiators from other 11 TPP countries will hold regular contact with each other to consider all available options before deciding the best way forward.

Read the full story at VietnamPlus