It will require a serious, sustained commitment to trade liberalization and structural reform. The must be reversed. As we have seen, good times can make for bad policy. Conversely, bad times can make for good policy. Market-based reform is essential.
Real recovery implies real reform.
A return to the old system would only set the stage for another crisis. Countries must be careful in their actions. At a time when many countries throughout Asia are in need of capital to help in the restructuring of their economies, measures that make countries less attractive to foreign investors are likely to carry significant cost. We are committed to remaining the region and participating in Malaysia's recovery. The United States is ranked first in foreign direct investment in Malaysia.