M'SIA KEEN TO JOIN TPP, SAYS MUSTAPA

PUTRAJAYA, March 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is keen to join the Trans-Pacific
Partnership (TPP) but only after consultations and based on certain parameters,
said International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed.

"We are keen to come on board subject to consultations and certain
parameters. The consultation is being held now," he told Malaysian reporters
after the 16th Asean Economic Ministers' (AEM) Retreat here Sunday.

He said the ministry has set a number of meetings with the government and
the private sector and "it is an on-going process."

"Once this consultation is completed, I will submit a proposal to the
Cabinet and will be guided by the government on how we should move," he said,
adding that the discussions on the TPP are still in early stages.

"We have had held several discussions on TPP. Two weeks ago, we spoke to the
US Deputy Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis who came to Malaysia.

"He (Marantis) came to see me to discuss about TPP and I told him Malaysia
was interested (to come on board)," he said, adding that Malaysia was not
pursuing efforts to sign a bilateral free trade agreement with the United
States.

Currently, TPP comprises Brunei, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore.

Meanwhile, Vietnam's Minister of Industry and Trade Dr Vu Huy Hoang said
Vietnam and the U.S. have been invited to join the TPP.

The first round negotiations will be held in Melbourne, Australia, next
month.

"The success of the TPP depends very much on the U.S. attitude and views on
Vietnam. Vietnam will do its best to participate in the negotiations," he said.

Asean secretary-general Dr Surin Pitsuwan said the United States has
expressed interest in Asean on the multi-layer basis, which includes political,
trade and strategies.

With Asean, the discussions are on what the best modality to move forward,
he said, adding that there are regular consultations with the US.

"There is very keen interest to strengthen cooperation with the US but
because of the differences and diversity among Asean members, there is no
decision yet on whether it will be a free trade agreement," he said.

Dr Surin said discussions are going on and a ministerial delegation will be
going to the US in May.

Part of the talks will centre on how to strengthen trade and investment
cooperation between Asean and the US, he said.

On the progress of the Doha Round, Mustapa said there was no new
developments on the talks due to problems with some of the major trading
nations.

"Doha Development Round has problems with some major trading nations over
their lack of commitment. There are fundamental issues that remained unresolved.

"In the absence of high commitment from major trading nations, surely the
Doha Round cannot succeed," he said.

The Doha Development Round is the trade negotiations round of the World
Trade Organisation that commenced in November 2001.

Based on reports received, Mustapa said the Doha Development Round faced
obstacles to conclude negotiations this year.

"We issued a statement last year that the Doha Development Round talks will
conclude at the end of this year, but judging from the reports tabled just now,
it is going to be a tall order," he added.
-- BERNAMA


Attachments: