1. Malaysia was join the membership partnership with united states throughthe Tra `ns-Pacific
Partnership Agreement (TPP).This country was expects total trade with the United States to
increase more than 70 per cent after it gains membership into the Trans-Pacific Partnership
Agreement (TPP).The trade between Malaysia and the United States grew 20 per cent or
RM15.79 billion between January and October last year compared with the corresponding ten
months in 2009.Through the TPP and the involvement of eight major countries which are our
trading partners, trade with the United States is anticipated to rise more than 70 per cent
Besides Malaysia, the others members of TPP include the United States, Brunei, Australia, New
Zealand, Chile, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.
"As such, the move to introduce TPP is not only a step in the right direction but it is also better
than the FTA," he said adding that the TPP was keenly awaited by both Malaysian and American
businessmen
Muhyiddin said Malaysia did not face any problems in the TPP negotiations and was confident it
would be concluded as scheduled.
He said what was vital to the negotiations was the fact that the private sector, especially the
small-and-medium enterprises, and not the government, was the catalyst to the TPP.
"This is a new scope that we will explore when the TPP is concluded soon," he said.
Muhyiddin said the TPP was a strategic collaboration for Malaysia in an effort to widen trade
and investment in the Asia Pacific region.
"We held a meeting in Auckland last December and several follow-up meetings will be held.
This is the kind of commitment Obama wants for the TPP, which he wants concluded before the
APEC meeting in Honolulu this November.
"As such, we want the TPP to be successfully concluded before APEC," he added.
Touching on other issues raised at the meeting, Muhyiddin said Motorola had proposed to
establish a centre of excellence in Malaysia which would help enhance the output of local
technology and innovation-based companies.
Muhyiddin also said Visa Inc, which is involved in credit card operations, has expressed interest
to collaborate with parties in Malaysia's tourism sector.
He added the move would be a strategic partnership in Malaysia's target to lure 25 million
tourists to its shores this year.
Meanwhile, speaking at a seperate function, Muhyiddin said various issues were raised during

2. his meeting yesterday with Jim Webb, Chairman of the Senate Sub-committee on East Asia and
Pacific Affairs.
He informed Webb of Malaysia's medical presence in Afghanistan and the progress made, thus
far, in the TPP negotiations, besides updating him on developments in Southern Thailand.
Bernama
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