Malaysian Textile Manufacturers Association (MTMA) made a plea on March 16, 2007 for negotiations on US-Malaysia FTA to be finished in time; the Association also supports Cabinet's recent decision to continue talks.
FTA with US will ensure support for domestic textile and garment sectors. Sources informed that these sectors provide livelihood to more than 80,000 people, with export turnover of over RM2.5 billion per annum.
According to MTMA President Datuk Y H Tan, an FTA is needed for saving Malaysian textile and clothing industries, because their product quality and industrial competitiveness are sought by US retailers. Other countries have boosted textile and apparel exports through FTAs with the US.
MTMA has requested Malaysian and US negotiators to hold talks as soon as possible for improving bilateral trade between both nations.