BERNAMA – US Seeks To Align Interests With ASEAN

By Siti Noor Afera Abu

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) — The United States (US) sees significant opportunities to align its interests with ASEAN in promoting reciprocity and balance in the global trading system, said US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

He said Washington welcomed ASEAN’s statement in April to approach US initiatives through dialogue and mutual understanding, noting that this commitment had been reflected in ongoing discussions over the past few months.

“Under President Donald Trump‘s leadership, we had the privilege of having good conversations on ways to improve access to our respective markets, remove non-tariff barriers, address unfair trade practices, and strengthen economic and national security cooperation,” he said in his opening remarks at the AEM-USTR Consultation, on the sidelines of the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (AEM) today.

Greer added that some of these talks had already resulted in agreements being concluded, while others were close to finalisation in the coming weeks and months.

Meanwhile, AEM Chair Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the US is a very important dialogue partner of ASEAN, where in 2024, total trade between ASEAN and the US reached a record US$453 billion. 

The US is also the region’s top export market, with ASEAN exports to the US surging to US$312 billion, nearly a 16 per cent increase from the previous year, an addition of about US$42 billion in just one year.

“And when you look at investments, it tells a similar story. In 2024, the US was ASEAN’s largest source of foreign direct investment, with inflows exceeding US$42 billion.  And that’s not just capital, it’s a clear vote of confidence in ASEAN’s future and in the opportunities our region provides,” he added.

Tengku Zafrul said the AEM-US Consultation agenda builds on this solid foundation and will review the ASEAN-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and the Expanded Economic Engagement work plan, endorse the 2025-2026 work plan, as well as exchange views on big challenges shaping the world economy.

“It’s a timely conversation because we all feel the winds of change, whether in supply chains, digital transformation, or the global push for greener, more sustainable growth. As Chair, I am confident that today’s consultation will set a clear direction for the next phase of ASEAN-US cooperation,” he added.

— BERNAMA

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