In trade talks with Washington, Malaysia says it is also prepared to discuss reducing the trade deficit, removing non-tariff barriers, and boosting technological safeguards.
00:00Malaysia has expressed its openness to exploring the possibility of a bilateral trade agreement with the U.S., as part of wider efforts to address trade tensions sparked by reciprocal tariffs by the Donald Trump administration.
00:16This was one of the four key negotiation areas discussed during Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz's meeting in Washington with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lehtnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamison Greer.
00:32The other areas are reducing the U.S.-Malaysia trade deficit, addressing non-tariff barriers, and strengthening technological safeguards and security.
00:42In a statement, the ministry said Tengku Zafrul described the talks as a step in the right direction.
00:49He said Malaysia also stressed that all communication lines remain open and would continue to work towards an amicable solution.
00:58The ministry said Malaysia welcomed the 90-day pause by the U.S. on implementing the proposed tariffs, viewing it as an opportunity for constructive engagement.
01:08It reiterated that it does not intend to retaliate but stands ready to collaborate on mutually agreeable outcomes due to concerns raised by the Trump administration.
