RAMSTAD APPLAUDS LAUNCH OF

U.S.-MALAYSIA FTA TALKS

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad (MN-03), a member of the Ways and Means Committee, praised the U.S. Trade Representative for sending a letter of intent to launch FTA negotiations with Malaysia. 

 “Reducing trade barriers with this key ally will go a long way toward increasing market access for American farmers, manufacturers and service providers,” said Ramstad.  “Malaysia is already our 10th largest trading partner and the largest U.S. export market in Southeast Asia, with $44.2 billion in total trade between the two countries during 2005.”

 “Negotiating an FTA with Malaysia will help bolster our economic footing in a region that is becoming increasingly connected to China,” said Ramstad.  “By solidifying our economic bond with countries like Malaysia, U.S. companies can maintain their competitiveness in this fast-growing region of the world.”

 “I applaud the Administration for sending Congress a letter of intent to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia, an agreement that will provide real benefits to the U.S. economy,” said Ramstad.

# 30 #