USTR Seeks Comments on Negotiating Objectives for Malaysia’s TPP Participation

Comments are due by noon, November 22, 2010.

(On October 5, 2010, the USTR notified Congress of the Administration’s intent to include Malaysia in the ongoing TPP negotiations. On that same date, the TPP partners reached consensus on Malaysia’s request to join the negotiations.)

Comments Sought on all Elements Related to Malaysia’s Participation in TPP

Comments are being sought on all elements related to Malaysia’s participation in the TPP negotiations in order to develop U.S. negotiating positions. Comments may address the reduction or elimination of tariffs or non-tariff barriers on any articles provided for in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) that are products of Malaysia, any concession that should be sought by the U.S., or any other matter relevant to the inclusion of Malaysia in the proposed TPP agreement.

USTR is also Addressing New and Emerging Issues in the TPP

The USTR states that it is addressing new and emerging issues in the proposed TPP, such as new approaches designed to promote innovation and competitiveness, encourage new technologies and emerging economic sectors, increase the participation of small- and medium-sized businesses in trade, and support the development of efficient production and supply chains that include U.S. firms in order to encourage firms to invest and produce in the U.S.

Comments invited on Malaysia’s impact. The USTR invites comments regarding how Malaysia’s participation in the negotiations might affect these new approaches. The TPSC Chair also invites comments on the impact of Malaysia’s participation in the negotiations on other trade-related priorities in this regional agreement, including environmental protection and conservation, transparency, workers rights and protections, development, and other issues.

USTR Invites Further Comments on Environmental Review

On March 25, 2010, the USTR provided notice and requested comments on the scope for an environmental review of the proposed TPP trade agreement.

This current USTR notice invites comments on, among other topics, environmental issues to be addressed in the TPP negotiations to take into account Malaysia’s participation in the negotiation. Further comments are also invited on the environmental review, including possible changes in the scope or other issues that should be addressed in the review.

TPP Impact on U.S. Employment, Etc. to be Reviewed at a Later Date

At a later date, the USTR will publish notice of reviews regarding the impact of the proposed agreement on U.S. employment and labor markets. These reviews will take into account Malaysia’s participation in the negotiations.

Hearing is Scheduled on November 19

The USTR intends to hold a hearing on matters related to Malaysia’s participation in the TPP negotiations on November 19, 2010. Persons wishing to testify at the hearing must provide written notification, as well as their testimony, by November 10, 2010.

(See ITT’s Online Archives or 10/20/10 news, 10102016, for BP summary of the ITC’s initiation of an investigation into the addition of Malaysia to the TPP.

See ITT’s Online Archives or 10/08/10 news, 10100826, for BP summary on the commencement of the third round of TPP negotiations and the inclusion of Malaysia.

See ITT’s Online Archives or 10/06/10 news, 10100607, for BP summary of the Administration’s notification to Congress of its intent to include Malaysia in the ongoing TPP negotiations.

See ITT’s Online Archives or 12/15/09 news, 09121510, for BP summary of USTR’s request for comments prior to first round of TPP negotiations.)

USTR contact -- David Bisbee (202) 395-6813

(USTR notice, FR Pub 10/20/10)