Seeking Stronger US-Malaysia Ties, Business Links

Paul W. Jones, U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia, talks about the US historically being Malaysia's biggest trading partner and whether that is still the case; the value of trade with Malaysia in 2010; the reason for the trade imbalance with Malaysia; reports that US consumption is slowly coming back and what that bodes for Malaysian producers, against the backdrop of the ringgit's rise against the dollar.

He also discusses FTA talks and provides an update on where these talks are in light of the 9-country the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement.

He then addresses previous stumbling blocks under the now-defunct FTA talks, which include tariffs imbalances, trade of motor vehicles, Malaysia's New Economic Policy and its Investment Requirements.

Jones also discusses MidEast tensions and the Egyptian crisis, and comments on articles written by his predecessor John R. Malott, who has been very scathing about PM Najib's 1Malaysia efforts.

He also talks about US investment, Malaysia's Human Rights record and .. when - if - whether -- President Obama will visit Malaysia.