Malaysian Economic Progress Underway, But Barriers Remain, Says US Ambassador to WTO
The pending Trans-Pacific Partnership represents an important opportunity to increase U.S.-Malaysia bilateral ties, building off recent Malaysian progress in economic liberalization, said U.S. Ambassador to the World Trade Organization, Michael Punke, at the WTO Trade Policy Review of Malaysia. The country has over recent years strengthened intellectual property rights protection and enforcement, but significant work remains to be done, said Punke. Pirated and counterfeit products continue to be commonly available, said Punke. Malaysia also continues to impose unfair tariff and non-tariff barriers on U.S. imports, said Punke.
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“The United States reiterates its concern with Malaysia’s expansive use of import licenses. We would appreciate further information on the government’s administrative procedures and its justification for the continued use of import licenses on such a broad range of products,” said Punke. “With respect to automobiles, the United States is disappointed that Malaysia continues to apply high tariffs in the automotive sector and imposes nontariff measures that significantly raise the cost of imported vehicles, including a non-transparent import permit and gazette pricing system. Malaysia’s new National Auto Policy seeks to transform the country into a regional hub for energy efficient vehicles, but it does little to promote structural reform or address longstanding trade barriers, even appearing to retreat from prior liberalization commitments.”