Malaysia may join negotiations for an Asia-Pacific trade agreement to boost ties with the United States, a top official said Tuesday. Malaysia is mulling whether to participate in the so-called Trans-Pacific Partnership supported by Washington, Trade Minister Mustapa Mohamed was quoted as saying by The Associated Press. In determining whether to do so, Mohamed said there was «no hope» key negotiations aimed at world trade liberalization will conclude by end of the year. Meanwhile, the U.S. has said it would prefer to engage in talks on a regional basis rather than bilaterally. «The U.S. bilateral (free-trade) talk is not on, so we have to explore other alternatives. It is for that reason we are keen to come on board (the TPP) subject to local consultations,» he told reporters.
