Core Points - Malaysia's Ministry of Trade has signed an economic partnership agreement with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein [1] - The agreement guarantees that over 90% of Malaysia's export products will be exempt from tariffs in the long term, including all industrial products [1]

Group 1: Private Economy Promotion Law - The Private Economy Promotion Law, effective from May 20, is China's first foundational law specifically addressing the development of the private economy, consisting of 9 chapters and 78 articles [2] - The law emphasizes the equal legal status of the private economy and aims to promote its healthy development, ensuring fair competition and improved investment and financing environments [2][3] - It addresses key concerns of private enterprises by establishing systems for fair competition, innovation support, and legal protections [2][3] Group 2: Market Access Barrier Cleanup - The National Development and Reform Commission, along with the Ministry of Commerce and the State Administration for Market Regulation, initiated a campaign to clear market access barriers, aiming to create a unified national market [4] - The focus is on rectifying unreasonable regulations and practices that violate market access requirements, including local regulations that hinder competition [4][5] - This six-month action is part of implementing a new negative list for market access, promoting a stable and transparent environment for private enterprises [4][5] Group 3: Employment and Economic Stability Measures - The National Development and Reform Commission announced five measures to stabilize employment and the economy, including support for employment, foreign trade stability, and effective investment expansion [6][7] - These measures are designed to enhance policy implementation efficiency and ensure that benefits reach businesses and the public [6][7] - The focus is on actionable policies that can support economic recovery and maintain social stability amid external challenges [6][7] Group 4: Manufacturing PMI Decline - The manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 49.0% in April, indicating a contraction after two months of expansion, with significant declines in new orders and export orders [8] - The decline is attributed to seasonal factors and a slowdown in external demand due to changing trade environments [8] - Analysts suggest that proactive macroeconomic policies are needed to bolster investment and consumer spending to stabilize the economy [8] Group 5: U.S. Economic Performance - The U.S. GDP contracted by 0.3% in the first quarter, marking the worst quarterly performance since 2022, primarily due to increased imports and reduced government spending [9] - This contraction has raised concerns about the impact of tariff policies on business and consumer confidence, leading to downward revisions of economic forecasts [9] - The economic downturn poses challenges for the current U.S. administration, affecting its credibility and public support [9] Group 6: U.S.-Ukraine Mineral Agreement - The U.S. and Ukraine signed an agreement to establish a joint investment fund, with both countries holding equal shares and management rights [10][11] - The agreement allows Ukraine to retain ownership and control over its mineral resources, addressing a key concern for Ukraine [11] - While the agreement does not explicitly mention U.S. security guarantees, it signals continued military support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict [11] Group 7: U.S. Auto Tariff Policy Adjustments - The U.S. government announced adjustments to auto tariffs, including exemptions for imported auto parts and a small rebate for domestic manufacturers [12] - These changes come in response to widespread opposition to previous tariff policies, which could negatively impact consumer interests [12] - Despite these adjustments, uncertainties surrounding tariff policies continue to pose challenges for the automotive industry and consumer sentiment [12]