Malaysia is set to begin high-stakes negotiations in Washington that could shape the future of its economic partnerships. Astro AWANI correspondent Syaff Shukri reports from Washington on the atmosphere ahead of these pivotal talks.
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00:00Investment Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datad Sri Zafrul Abdul Aziz is set to kick off
00:05crucial negotiations later tonight in Washington, talks that could shape the trajectory of Malaysia's
00:10economic partnerships. Now as anticipation builds, all eyes are on the outcomes and signals from
00:16these high-stakes discussions. We now head to Washington where our correspondent Shaf Shukri
00:21is standing by. Shaf, what's the atmosphere like ahead of these pivotal talks and what should be
00:26the key priorities for Malaysia as it enters the negotiation room? Well, the atmosphere here in
00:34Washington is a mix of anticipation and quite intensity. Delegations from several countries
00:40are in town, each hoping to carve out their own space in what many see as a recalibration of
00:47America's trade relationships. But for Malaysia, this round of negotiations is particularly
00:54consequential, not just for our trade balance with the US, but for the long-term credibility
01:01of Malaysia as a competitive, cooperative and a forward-looking economic partner. So today,
01:10as Minister Tengku Zafrul prepares to enter the negotiation room later today, Malaysia's priorities
01:19should be focused but also flexible. First and foremost, we need to present ourselves not as a
01:26part of the problem but as part of the solution. Malaysia already maintains a relatively low tariff,
01:34an average of just 5.6%, and we've been proactive in addressing non-tariff barriers through regulatory
01:43reforms that enhance the ease of doing business. And secondly, it's crucial that Malaysia position
01:52itself as a distinct and strategic player in this crowded space. With multiple countries currently
02:00lobbying the US for tariff relief or exemptions, the Malaysian delegation must highlight our unique strength,
02:09including our role in the global semiconductor supply chain, the strong presence of the US companies
02:17already operations in Malaysia, and our broader commitment to economic openness and policy consistency.
02:26And these are not just trade advantages, they are trust markers. So finally, one of the key objectives
02:37in the meeting and negotiation should be to push for clarity and stability. Businesses, both American
02:46and Malaysian, I believe, are watching closely, especially in the 90-day pause on a reciprocal tariff set to expire
02:55on the July 9th. And this talk offer an important window for Malaysia to shape the narrative, influence
03:03decision makers, decision makers, and mitigate the risks of trade uncertainty. So I guess while expectations
03:13are high, the strategy here is about a substance over spectacles, and also offering meaningful solutions
03:22and demonstrating Malaysia's readiness to be a long-term reliable partner in a more complex global economy.
03:31So that's the scene here in Washington for now. And of course, we'll be tracking developments closely
03:39as the talk unfold over the next few hours. So back to you in the studio.