Rafidah supports TPPA, says its good for M'sia
Published on: Saturday, October 10, 2015
Kuala Lumpur: The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) will open doors for small countries such as Malaysia, says former International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz.Throwing her support behind the free trade pact that was recently agreed upon by Malaysia and 11 other Pacific Rim countries, she said: "With anything that gives you market access anywhere, it is good. Don't forget, we are a small country."When you have access to a bigger market, provided you meet a certain demand and others meet yours, that is what we need." She said this after giving a special address on branding at the Malaysian Legal and Corporate Conference 2015 here.
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Rafidah called on the public not to politicise the issue, adding that it was important for people to look at it objectively."Do not add sentiments that have nothing to do with markets and businesses. Once the issue is politicised, then our hands are tied," she said.The Government, said Rafidah, should be given faith and space that it would negotiate details of the agreement for the country's benefit, adding that she was sure that these were all carried out in good faith.On Wednesday, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said TPPA's full contents would be made public in a month's time.
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TPPA, said to be the most sweeping trade liberalisation deal, aims to cut trade barriers and set common standards for countries forming 40pc of the world economy.At the 10th Exclusive SME Business & Financial Seminar & Roadshow 2015, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong said the TPPA should have fair rules for all businesses.
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"This is a pivotal moment and Malaysia needs to study its consequences in great detail before signing it," he said, praising Mustapa for his commitment.He said he believed Mustapa would secure the interests of both small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and government-linked companies (GLCs). "I will also do my best to point out issues with the TPPA to ensure that SMEs are not given an unfair deal down the road," said Dr Wee.Asked if foreign competition under the TPPA would negatively affect local SMEs, Dr Wee said he understood that many businesses had such concerns.Pointing out that it was impossible to obtain "absolute victory", he said there was always a trade-off before one could enjoy the benefits of a partnership.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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