TWN Info Service on Free Trade Agreements

03 July 2006


Letter from Former USTR on US Intention to Start FTA Talks with Malaysia

Attached is the letter from the former USTR Rob Portmant informing Congress of the President’s intends to initiate negotiations for a FTA with Malaysia. The letter highlights the US's objectives and what it hopes to gain from the FTA with Malaysia.

Among the objectives listed include the liberalization of Malaysia’s financial services, telecommunications, energy, audio-visual, distribution, healthcare and other services that would create opportunities for U.S. firms, which are highly competitive in these sectors.

It also seeks to strengthen Malaysia’s protection of intellectual property through the FTA, open up the government procurement sector for US firms (national treatment), and provide opportunities for U.S. agricultural exporters of fresh fruits and nuts, wheat, soybeans, animal feeds and feed ingredients.


With best wishes,


Third World Network
2-1, Jalan 31/70A
Desa Sri Hartamas
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603-2300 2585
Fax: +603-2300 2595
email: twnkl@po.jaring.my
website: www.twnside.org.sg and www.ftamalaysia.org

Download letter (PDF)