U.S. Embassy Optimistic TPP Will Get The Nod

By Azlee Nor Mahmud KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- The United States (US) Embassy in Malaysia remains optimistic that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will get the US nod as it is very much in its interest to make it happen, its deputy chief of mission, Edgard D. Kagan said. He, however, said it was unwise for diplomats to speculate on what their legislators were going to do. "It is impossible for me to speculate on what is going to happen, but I remain optimistic, because I do believe that TPP is very much in the interest of the United States," he said. Kagan said if the case is made fairly and openly, the TPP will get the US support. He said in a broader term, he is optimistic that the TPP is good for the US, as well the other signatories. "President (Barrack) Obama has made it clear, he is committed to getting the TPP passed in his remaining time in office, he said it publicly in numerous occasions," Kagan told Bernama on the sidelines the King's Discourse 'TPPA: What Now. What Next? A Frank Discussion', Saturday. Citing a recent meeting held at the White House with elected officials to highlight the benefits of the TPP, he said: "It is clear there is support for TPP and at the same time it is clear there are a lot of debates about trade in the United States and there are a lot of people who have concerns about it. "On balance, the case for trade is very clear and very strong. It is understandable there are people who have doubts. "But, I think it is a case where if once it is made and once it is looked fairly and objectively, the benefits are very clear." Kagan said if people were to look at the underlying facts and what TPP really entailed, they would grow to support it. The discourse, which is organised by King's College London Alumni Malaysia, aims to bring a balanced and nuanced dialogue on the TPP, a potential game-changer in Malaysia's international trade relations and economic development, as well as the region. The event was chaired by King's College London Alumni Malaysia president Tan Sri Prof Emeritus Dr Augustine Ong. -- BERNAMA