A joint statement issued at the end of Najib’s official visit to the US said participation by US companies would strengthen US-Malaysia economic cooperation.
The statement gave no details on the form of participation they envisaged.
However, Mohd Nur Ismal Mohamed Kamal, the CEO of MyHSR Corporation which is managing the multi-billion ringgit project, said it was still “wide open” to all and the two countries would choose the builder based on merit.
Bloomberg quoted him as saying on Tuesday that it was not true when some countries had claimed the project was already in the bag.
Malaysia and Singapore are expected to hold a second industry briefing in London on Sept 26 to share more information on the project.
According to the joint statement, Najib and Trump pledged to create jobs and opportunities for people in both countries.
“Both sides announced their intent to pursue trade and investment opportunities in the transportation and energy sectors and to address the bilateral trade imbalance,” the statement said.
It also said Malaysia and the US were committed to review regulatory frameworks to facilitate investments in their respective economies.
“The two countries recognised the importance of regular discussions under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement to strengthen the trade relationship by removing barriers in key sectors,” it added.