Tengku Zafrul: Government steps up coordination with states to cushion US tariff impact

Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) across the country will continue working closely with state governments to ensure that local industries in each state are not adversely affected by the United States (US) tariff issue.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the government’s establishment of the National Geoeconomic Command Centre (NGCC) would play a key role in monitoring, evaluating, and coordinating responses to shifts in the global trade landscape, including tariff shocks and non-tariff barriers.

“This effort aims to ensure that the country’s strategic and economic industries remain resilient and competitive in an increasingly challenging and uncertain global environment,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat, responding to a question from Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman (PN-Bachok).

Mohd Syahir enquired about the government’s steps to address the US tariff issue with the involvement of state governments to coordinate investment responses, restructure state incentives, and help local industries adapt to a more challenging trade environment.