USTR calls first round of Malaysia free trade talks “productive”

USTR calls first round of Malaysia free trade talks “productive”

USTR calls first round of Malaysia free trade talks “productive”

   Bush administration officials called the first round of free trade talks with Malaysia “productive.”
   The talks, which concluded Friday, were held in Penang, Malaysia.
   “Both sides came to the negotiating table well prepared and ready to listen to each other’s views,” said Barbara Weisel, assistant U.S. trade representative for Southeast Asia, Pacific and pharmaceutical policy, in a statement. “We are approaching the negotiations as partners.”
   During the first round of talks, U.S. and Malaysian trade negotiators exchanged texts for the proposed free trade agreement. They also discussed respective laws, regulations and approaches to the issues, Weisel said.
   The next round of talks between the countries will be held in Washington in mid-July.
   “Both teams have much homework to do for the next round, but I believe the progress made this week has laid a strong foundation and positioned us well to conclude this negotiation by the end of the year,” Weisel said.