GEORGE TOWN, Nov. 18 -- The Malaysia-United States Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) is expected to drive Penang's economic growth especially the electrical and electronics (E&E), agriculture and halal industries, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

The Padang Kota assemblyman told the state legislative assembly today that the agreement is expected to create more opportunities for the state's E&E sector to penetrate the US market.

"It will also potentially attract new foreign direct investments (FDI) and create more high-skilled job opportunities," he said in response to an oral question by Seberang Jaya assemblyman Izhar Shah Arif Shah on the impact of ART on Penang.

Chow said the implementation of ART is expected to strengthen t...