Malaysia’s Membership In CPTPP, RCEP Unaffected By US Tariff Policies

KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s status as a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) remains unchanged, said Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

This is despite the uncertainty arising from the tariff policies being implemented by the United States (US), he said, emphasising that the US is not a member of CPTPP or RCEP, therefore, its policies do not directly affect Malaysia’s membership in these agreements.

“To date, the economic policies announced by US President Donald Trump have not directly impacted the country’s economy.

“However, the government will continue to monitor the developments of new US policies and plan appropriate strategies to address any implications on the country’s economy,” the minister said during a question-and-answer session in the Senate, Thursday. 

Tengku Zafrul was responding to Senator Rita Sarimah Anak Patrick Insol who asked if Malaysia’s participation in multilateral trade agreements such as CPTPP and RCEP has or will change due to the uncertainty arising from Trump’s tariff policies.

He also stated that the government will continue to promote Malaysia as an open economy and a safe investment destination by emphasising political stability, pro-business policies, and its strategic location in Southeast Asia.

Tengku Zafrul said that as a trading nation, Malaysia will continue to strive to diversify export markets for both goods and local services.

He said that Malaysia would begin negotiations with countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which are seen as offering significant benefits across various economic sectors and can strengthen the country’s participation in the global supply chain.

“As the chair of ASEAN this year, we, together with ASEAN member countries, are also negotiating to upgrade the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area to ASEAN-China 3.0 and the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement, as well as engaging in negotiations for a new free trade agreement with Canada,” Tengku Zafrul said.

-- BERNAMA