WASHINGTON, D.C., United States, April 2 (Bernama) -- International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Darell Leiking kicked start his trade and investment mission in the United States (US). 

In his first stop in Washington DC, Darell met with Mr Wilbur Ross, US Secretary of Commerce; Mr Clete Willems, Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council; and  Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, United States Trade Representative. The meetings provided opportunity in exchanging views to improve trade and investment relations, as well as understanding key concerns from both economies. 

In his engagements with the  US business community, Darell met with more than 26 companies in a roundtable discussion which was hosted by the US-ASEAN Business Council and the US Chamber of Commerce. Separate meetings with companies in the chemical and aerospace industry were also held. The US businesses were keen to understand about Malaysia’s trade and business policies, as well as Malaysia’s stand on various areas from free trade agreements, healthcare, digital economy, e-commerce to logistics.

In  2018, the US remained as Malaysia’s top trading nation in North America region and Malaysia’s third largest trading partner in the world at RM155.68 billion (USD38.57 billion, 8.3% share of Malaysia’s total trade). Exports to the US reached RM90.73 billion (USD22.48 billion), while imports from the US were  RM64.94 billion (USD16.08 billion), both driven by manufactured goods.

In term of implemented projects, the US remains as the second largest investors in Malaysia in sectors such as electric and electronics, medical devices, renewable energy and aerospace valued at RM74.01 billion (USD21.86 billion). Malaysian companies have successfully ventured in the US in diverse sectors from entertainment and resort, oleo-chemical, industrial packaging, furniture to banking reaching over USD14 billion.

Ministry of International Trade & Industry
2 April, 2019

For further enquiries you may contact:

Bilateral Economic and Trade Relations Division
Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) 
Level 21, Menara MITI 
No. 7, Jalan Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah 
50480 Kuala Lumpur, 
MALAYSIA 
Telephone Number : (603) 6200 2401
Facsimile Number : (603) 6206 2645 
Email : allhep@miti.gov.my

About MITI 
MITI is the key driver in making Malaysia the preferred destination for quality investments and enhancing the nation's  rising  status  as  a  globally  competitive  trading  nation. Its objectives and roles are oriented towards ensuring Malaysia’s rapid economic development and help achieve the country's stated goal of becoming a developed nation by 2020. 

Source: Ministry of International Trade & Industry

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Ministry of International Trade & Industry 
Strategic Communications Unit 
Tel: +603 6200 0083 
Fax: +603 6206 4293 
Email: allpegkomunikasikorporat@miti.gov.my

--BERNAMA