MALAYSIA United States-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement :  The NHC is working to advance the objectives of the apple, pear and cherry industry in the U.S.-Malaysia FTA.  Immediate duty-free access to Malaysia’s market of 24 million people is the primary goal.  U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman and Malaysia’s Rafidah Aziz announced the intention to negotiate a U.S.-Malaysia FTA on March 8, 2006.  Malaysia does not produce apples, pears, or sweet cherries and hence relies on imported product to supply its consumers.  An FTA with Malaysia would be beneficial for both Malaysia’s consumers and the growers and shippers of tree fruits in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.  Current tariff rates in Malaysia for apples, pears and sweet cherries are 5 percent. The NHC is a member of the U.S.-Malaysia FTA Business Coalition. Information on the negotiations may be found on the web at the Office of the United States Trade Representative. 5/25/07    Northwest Horticultural Council 105 South 18th Street, Suite 105 Yakima, Washington 98901, USA Voice: (509) 453-3193, Fax: (509) 457-7615 E-mail general@nwhort.org