(VOVworld) - Malaysia will focus on regional economic integration and concluding the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) because the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement can’t be realized because of the withdrawal of the US. Minister of International Trade and Industry Mustapa Mohamed on Tuesday said Malaysia will promote economic integration with 10 ASEAN member countries and promptly conclude the RCEP, which groups ASEAN and its six major trading partners, including China. 

Malaysia, New Zealand push for RCEP following US pullout from TPP (Source: Wiki)

The same day, Prime Minister of New Zealand Bill English said the withdrawal of the US from the TPP is not surprising, but is still disappointing after 12 nations managed to negotiate the pact. He said New Zealand will not rule out other free trade agreements and the other TPP members will meet soon to consider the next step.