GEORGE TOWN: The United States government is committed to supporting supply chain resiliency in Penang, building stronger business ties with the state and strengthening the overall US-Malaysia trade relationship.
This was the conclusion drawn from US ambassador to Malaysia, Brian D. McFeeters's two-day visit to the state, which ended today.
"Penang is a central node of the global supply chain in many key industries and is a key partner in supporting US investments," the US Embassy said in a press release.
During his visit, McFeeters met with government officials, businesses and the non-governmental organisations (NGO) to discuss US–Penang cooperation on investment, supply chain resilience, trafficking in persons and more.
McFeeters met with the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, where he reiterated the US government's commitment to strengthening relations with Penang as the state with the most US investments in Malaysia.
He also shared the US government's interest in supporting resilient supply chains and Penang's important role in it as a hub for semiconductors and other critical supply chains.
During his visit, McFeeters also spoke about the US government's focus on combating trafficking in persons and the readiness to support Penang, and the wider Malaysian government, to improve policy implementation.
He visited the Tenaganita Home Shelter in Penang to learn about the government's anti-trafficking initiatives in cooperation with the CSO community and discussed the resources needed to run the shelter.
He also highlighted the importance of a victim-centred approach to trafficking in persons cases.
"In addition, McFeeters met with the thriving US business community in Penang during a roundtable hosted by the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) yesterday.
"He discussed the challenges and opportunities for US businesses in Penang with the member companies, the importance of supply chain resiliency, and the enormous potential for closer economic ties between the US and Penang.
"He also highlighted US corporate leadership on environment, social, and governance. McFeeters expressed his hope for US companies to continue being leaders in sustainability practices and contribute to Malaysia's goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050," the release read.
Today, McFeeters had the opportunity to visit several US companies' Penang operations.
He toured Boston Scientific as well as Lam Research's new Batu Kawan manufacturing plant.
He discussed opportunities for the semiconductor and medical devices industries as Penang continues to recover from Covid-19 with both companies' senior leadership.
He further visited Soon Soon Group, an importer of US agricultural products and a close partner of the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), a trade association that promotes exports of American soy products.
He spoke about the contribution of US soy imports to sustainable food products and Malaysia's economic growth with the managing director, Dr Soon Bin Neoh, including how the US government and US industries could better expand US business opportunities in Malaysia.