Deputy United States Trade Representative Sarah Bianchi traveled to Jakarta, Indonesia on July 17-18, 2023 and to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 19-20, 2023. Ambassador Bianchi used these visits to discuss the importance of reaching a high standard agreement under the Trade Pillar of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
In Jakarta, Ambassador Bianchi met with Indonesian government officials, including Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs Luhut Pandjaitan, Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs Vice Minister Edi Pambudi, and Vice Minister of Trade Jerry Sambuaga. During these meetings, Ambassador Bianchi thanked Indonesia for their continued support and engagement in IPEF negotiations and highlighted the importance of the U.S. – Indonesia bilateral trade relationship. During the visit, she also met with private sector and civil society stakeholders.
In Kuala Lumpur, Ambassador Bianchi met with Malaysian government officials, including Deputy Minister for Investment, Trade, and Industry Liew Chin Tong and Ministry of Human Resources Secretary General Dr. Zaini Ujang. In the meetings, she thanked Malaysia for its strong support for IPEF and the two sides discussed our joint efforts to make swift progress toward high ambition commitments across the Trade Pillar. During the visit, she also met with private sector stakeholders and academic leaders to discuss how the shared objectives of IPEF are intended to advance resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth across the region.
This engagement follows Ambassador Bianchi’s travel last month to Manila and Seoul to meet with government officials and stakeholders in order to advance momentum on IPEF and reach consensus in key areas.
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