US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is impressed with Malaysia's high economic growth, having rebounded strongly from the recent global turmoil.

"Malaysia's economy has done so well despite being hard hit by the global downturn, but it has come back strongly this year," she said at the Skypark Terminal of the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang today.

"Challenges that have been met by the leadership and citizens of Malaysia continue to put Malaysia back on track as the high growth is impressive indeed," she said at the Malaysia Airlines' showcase of partnership with American companies operating in Malaysia.

NONEMalaysia's growth momentum in the first half of 2010 rebounded to 9.5 percent from a negative 5.1 percent in the same period last year.

Clinton, who concluded her three-day visit to Malaysia today, said Malaysia and the US had very similar goals that the US President Barack Obama had set to double exports over the next five years.

She said both countries have very strong foundation to move forward into deep economic ties as American manufacturing companies had invested US$15 billion and employed 166,000 Malaysians.

Clinton said she regarded the partnership between Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Boeing, Pratt & Whitney and GE as a "win-win" relationship which could create high-paying skills jobs in both countries.

"We need growth, but it must be the right kind of growth, balanced, long-term and inclusive," she said.

Shared prosperity

Clinton also said the US was happy with Malaysia's decision to join in the negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) as the TPP Agreement would promote shared success by expanding market access and building a level-playing field for employees in every country that participated in the talks.

"No one can do this alone, the days of going alone in the global economy are behind us, building shared prosperity is the goal that we can achieve together.

"I know we got determination and talents and we have deep ties between our two countries at the governmental level, business level and people-to-people level," she added.

“I want to end with what I hear is a Malaysian expression of national resolve. So Malaysia, America, Boleh, and congratulations to all the companies involved in this venture.”

- Bernama